Zombie Walks
Zombie walks are a fun and spooky modern tradition. In these 1, large groups of people 2 as "the living dead" or as others say, "the undead." While they might look scary, these 3 are usually about community, creativity, and sometimes 4. As we move through 2026, zombie walks remain a popular way for fans of horror and pop culture to come together and express their creativity.
How It All Began
The 5 of the zombie walk is often debated, but most experts agree it started in North America. The first recorded event similar to a modern walk 6 in Sacramento, California, in 2001. It was called "The Zombie Parade" and was organized to 7 a film festival.
By 2010, the 8 had spread across the ocean to Europe, South America, and Asia. Today, there are hundreds of walks worldwide, from small town gatherings to 9 festivals with thousands of 10. These walks remain a significant part of urban culture.
Regional Differences
Although the 11 is the same everywhere—dress like a zombie and walk slowly—different countries have added their own 12 "flavor" to the events:
North America: In the United States and Canada, many walks 13 on breaking world records. Cities like Asbury Park, New Jersey, have hosted thousands of people at once. These events often include "zombie pub crawls," where participants visit different bars while in 14. They experience the local nightlife while "bar hopping" as zombies.
Europe: European walks are often 15 to art and film festivals. For example, the Sitges Zombie Walk in Spain is a major part of its famous horror film festival. In the United Kingdom, "World Zombie Day" in London has a strong focus on charity, 16 for 17 like homelessness and hunger. Proving that the "undead" can have a positive social 18.
Latin America: In cities like Mexico City, zombie walks are massive and very theatrical. 19 often spend hours on professional-grade 20. These events take on a carnival-like 21 that attracts families and tourists alike.
Why Do People Do It?
The main goal of these walks is entertainment. For many, it is a form of "22 expression." People enjoy the challenge of creating an 23 costume using old clothes and "SFX" (special effects) makeup like fake blood and liquid latex. As well, participating in a walk allows individuals to step out of their daily 24 and 25 in a shared experience.
Beyond the fun, some of these walks serve a serious purpose. Many organizers ask participants to bring canned food for local 26 or pay a small 27 to support charities. It is a way to turn a "scary" monster into a 28 of community help.
The Future of the Horde
In 2026, the zombie walk has become an 29 with required 30, security, and 31. Whether you are in London, Mexico City, or Tokyo, the sight of a "horde" of zombies is a sign of a creative community coming together to celebrate their favorite stories.
Join the Fun
Your first zombie walk 32 looking convincingly "dead" with staying comfortable—you'll be in costume for hours.
Costume
Old clothes to rip and 33 with blood
Sandpaper or wire brush for worn 34
Comfortable shoes for miles of 35
Face
Pale gray/white base makeup
Liquid latex or glue-soaked tissue for 36 skin/wounds
Dark eyeshadow (purple/brown/black) for 37 eyes and cheeks 38 setting spray or powder to prevent makeup from 39
Gore
Fake blood (buy or make with corn syrup + red food coloring)
Survivor Essentials
Water bottle (it's easy to 40 under layers of 41 and makeup!)
Wet wipes for 42 afterwards