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Zombie Awareness Month – May 2024

Zombie Awareness Month is celebrated every May in the U.S. to raise awareness about the possibility of a zombie apocalypse and what we should do in such a situation. Of course, there is a very slim chance of a zombie apocalypse, but it’s still a lot of fun to join the festivities. Zombie Awareness Month is a big hit on social media, and people dress up as zombies and enact their favorite scenes from zombie movies and T.V. shows! Have you ever wondered what you would do during a zombie apocalypse? Perhaps you should…

History of Zombie Awareness Month

In 2007, the Zombie Research Society (Z.R.S) declared May as Zombie Awareness Month. They mark the month by organizing charity events and conventions and encouraging participants to wear gray ribbons to help spread awareness. Over the years, the celebration has been adopted by various state governments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Zombie Awareness Month foregrounds the living dead and prepares us for a zombie apocalypse. People celebrate the month by consuming their favorite zombie films, books, and video games.

Zombie Awareness Month is observed in May because several renowned zombie films were set during this month. In addition, the spring season is often associated with revival and optimism, contrasting the devastation caused by a zombie apocalypse. Gray ribbons are worn by those who celebrate to signify the dangers of such an event.

The Z.R.S. emphasizes the living dead’s historical, cultural, and scientific study. They are dedicated to sharing information from experts and academics about potential causes, preparations, and preventions for the zombie apocalypse. People join in with their own stories about and tips for surviving such an event. Although few of us believe in the inevitable zombie apocalypse, Zombie Awareness Month can still be a lot of fun. People love to dress up as zombies, put on makeup, and play make-believe!

Zombie Awareness Month timeline

1985
“Day of the Dead”

One of the most popular movies about the zombie apocalypse is released.

2007
The Zombie Research Society

Author and zombie expert Matt Mogk establishes the organization and declares May Zombie Awareness Month.

2010
“Warm Bodies”

Isaac Marion’s bestselling book about zombies is published.

2019
“World War Z”

A video game based on a book and movie about the zombie apocalypse is released.

Zombie Awareness Month FAQs

What are zombie symptoms?

Mad Cow Disease reduces people to a zombie-like state, with symptoms such as seizures, twitchy muscles, hallucinations, and diminished coordination.

Why do zombies eat brains?

Zombie films portray zombies as needing to eat human brains to feel better!

Who invented zombies?

In his films, Romero crafted a new type of zombie that differed from Haitian folklore, and it was this version that has shaped zombie popular culture since the late 20th century.

Zombie Awareness Month Activities

  1. Attend a convention

    Celebrate Zombie Awareness Month by attending a zombie convention. If you don’t believe in zombies or an upcoming apocalypse, maybe a zombie convention will change your mind!

  2. Host a zombie party

    A fun way to observe Zombie Awareness Month is by organizing a zombie party. Dress up as zombies and decorate your house like a bunker. Get your friends and family to dress up too, and don’t forget to wear gray ribbons in honor of the month!

  3. Watch your favorite zombie movies

    There’s no end to movies and T.V. shows about zombies. The best way to celebrate Zombie Awareness Month is by catching up with your favorite shows, books, movies, and video games about zombies.

5 Facts About Zombies That You Didn’t Know

  1. The word comes from the African language

    It is believed to have been taken from the African word for God, ‘nzambi.’

  2. Zombie fans have a name

    Zombie fans are known as ‘zombiephiles.’

  3. There are two ways to kill zombies

    To kill a zombie, aim for its brain or cut off its head.

  4. George Romero created modern zombie cinema

    Known as the “Father of Zombie Film,” Romero has directed the most zombie films in history.

  5. Becoming a zombie is illegal

    A law in Haiti allegedly makes it a criminal offense to turn someone into a zombie.

Why We Love Zombie Awareness Month

  1. The zombie apocalypse might happen

    The Z.R.S. earnestly believes that the zombie apocalypse can happen at any time. Though there’s no way to confirm this, celebrations like Zombie Awareness Month help us prepare for the worst.

  2. It’s a fun holiday

    Because Zombie Awareness Month can be celebrated with parties and by watching reruns of your favorite zombie movies and shows, the month-long celebrations can be a lot of fun.

  3. It celebrates a niche interest

    Most of us don’t believe that the zombie apocalypse will happen, but some do. Zombie Awareness Month is a celebration of niche interests, and like-minded people can gather to indulge in a shared love.

Zombie Awareness Month dates

YearDateDay
2024May 1Wednesday
2025May 1Thursday
2026May 1Friday
2027May 1Saturday
2028May 1Monday
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Zombie Awareness Month

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