Twenty people strutted in the Montreal Underground without pants and under the curious eyes of the crowd, Sunday afternoon, to join a festive event that brings together thousands of people around the world.
"If you're asked why you do not have trousers today, say you forgot to put on some," said Thomas Posen ironically, alongside the other participants of this original walk that started at 2:30 pm the Sherbrooke metro station.
While the temperature felt -15 degrees in the metropolis, it should not be cold to the eyes to participate in the 18th edition of the event "No Pants Subway Ride" which was also held in the subway network of a twenty cities, including New York, Buenos Aires, Munich and Berlin.
"It's dark outside and it's after the holidays, we do it for fun. This is not only for wearing bobbles, but it is also to show its colors. I hope it does not discourage people to come when it's cold outside, because in the subway, it's hot even in underpants, "said Paul Davidson, who is making his third appearance.
After collectively removing their pants at the Sherbrooke subway station, the group took the metro under the flashes of many cameras to the Berri-UQAM station before taking the green line towards the Lionel-Groulx station.
Break the routine
Some also participated in the activity to break their routine and create new social links with other subway users.
"This is my first time and I wanted to try something new. No one is judging in Montreal. We can show a little skin and people let us do it. I wanted to wear a suit, but without the pants, to make a strong contrast and break the routine, "said Alejandro Morales, a native of Venezuela.
Some Montreal Transit Corporation (STM) customers, however, did not appreciate the appearance of underwear in the transit system.
"There are some who really need attention to come to Montreal. If at least there was a cause behind the "No Pants Subway Ride", it's as empty as people who walk almost all naked, "rebelled Veronique Millette at Peel station.
A simple joke
Initiated in 2002 by seven young men in the subway network of New York who wanted to make a joke at the time, the event has since taken on an international scale.
More than 60 cities have participated over the years and the activity is now managed by the New York organization called "Improv Everywhere".
Montreal's "No Pants Subway Ride" is not associated with any particular cause, its only goal being to make people smile on the metro and to remind people that we must not be afraid of ridicule.