Event: Thrill The World
Location: Various locations worldwide
Phone: Varies by location
Hours: Typically held on the Saturday before Halloween, exact times vary by location
Admission: Free to participate in most locations (donations may be encouraged for charities)
Website: thrilltheworld.com
History
Thrill The World began in 2006 as Thrill Toronto, an event created by dance instructor Ines Markeljevic to set a world record for the most people simultaneously performing Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance. The event gained global attention, and in 2007, it expanded into an international movement.
Since then, thousands of people across multiple countries participate annually, dancing in sync to the iconic choreography from Michael Jackson’s 1983 Thriller music video. Many groups use the event as an opportunity to raise funds for charities such as food banks, children’s hospitals, and animal shelters.
Despite Michael Jackson’s passing in 2009, Thrill The World remains a celebration of his legacy, uniting people worldwide through music, dance, and community engagement.
Hauntings:
While the event itself is not inherently haunted, the theme of zombies, eerie makeup, and Michael Jackson’s ghostly presence in the minds of fans contribute to an atmospheric, supernatural experience.
Some locations where the dance is held—such as historic cemeteries, theaters, or abandoned buildings—may have reported paranormal activity unrelated to the event.
Personal Experiences:
Participants often describe Thrill The World as a fun and energetic experience, bringing together people of all ages to celebrate the legendary dance. Many report an eerie feeling when seeing large groups of “zombies” moving in unison, but these sensations are likely psychological rather than paranormal. No actual hauntings have been associated with the event itself.
Paranormal Activity Rating: Minimal (Rare occurrences, typically based on location)
Notable Cities Hosting Events
- Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA – Hosted since 2009 at locations like Coronado Mall and Tiguex Park. (thrilltheworldabq.com)
- Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – In 2023, the event was held at Downtown Container Park. (news3lv.com)
- Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA – Scheduled for October 26, 2024, as part of the worldwide event. (thrillscranton.com)
- Hamilton, Ohio, USA – Hosting an event in 2024 at Hanover Winery. (journal-news.com)
- Brisbane, Australia – First participated in 2008 with events organized locally. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Moscow & Saratov, Russia – Joined the global event in 2009, contributing to a rise in participation. (ru.wikipedia.org)
For the latest list of participating cities and upcoming events, visit the official Thrill The World website.
How to Participate
Anyone can join Thrill The World! Whether you want to dance, organize an event, or simply watch, here’s how:
- Find an event near you – Check the official website or local social media pages.
- Learn the dance – Official tutorials are available online to help participants master the Thriller choreography.
- Dress up – Many participants wear zombie costumes and makeup to fully embrace the Thriller theme.
- Support a cause – Some events raise funds for local charities, so donations are encouraged but not required.
Website: https://www.thrilltheworld.com
Growth and Impact
- Thrill The World has been recognized by the Guinness World Records for its large-scale participation.
- The event has been hosted in various locations, including schools, community centers, public parks, and haunted attractions.
- Many groups use Thrill The World as a fundraising opportunity, benefiting charities such as food banks, children’s hospitals, and animal shelters.
- Participants often dress as zombies to fully embrace the Thriller theme, making it a fun and immersive experience.
Legacy and Cultural Significance
- The event pays tribute to Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking 1983 Thriller music video, widely regarded as one of the most influential music videos of all time.
- Thrill The World continues to unite people from diverse backgrounds through dance, reinforcing themes of unity, creativity, and fun.
- Despite Michael Jackson’s passing in 2009, the event remains a significant celebration of his legacy, bringing fans together each year.
