Palm Springs Just Broke a World Record In the Most Fabulous Way Possible
Palm Springs knows how to throw a party, and the California desert city just pulled off something that left Guinness World Records officials reaching for their official stamps of approval in the best possible way. On a warm morning in late May, more than 1,000 people gathered in downtown Palm Springs all dressed as Marilyn Monroe, each wearing the Hollywood legend's iconic white halter dress from the beloved 1955 film The Seven Year Itch. The final official count came in at a staggering 1,037 impersonators, absolutely smashing the previous world record of 254 that had been held since 2020 by a swimming team in Australia. Guinness officials were on hand to verify every single participant in person, and the enormous crowd erupted in celebration the very moment the new record was officially and formally confirmed.
The gathering was the centerpiece of an event called Marilyn 100, a joyful citywide celebration of what would have been the beloved actress's 100th birthday, and it also served as a major fundraiser for Palm Springs Pride to help keep the city's annual festival completely free and open to everyone who wants to attend. Palm Springs Pride president Ron deHarte described Monroe as far more than Hollywood glamour, calling her a courageous ally who stood for authenticity and marginalized communities at a time in history when doing so truly and deeply mattered. The city of Palm Springs has a long and warm connection to Monroe's legacy, and organizers said the final turnout far exceeded even their most optimistic expectations when early planning first began. Over a thousand white dresses, a blazing California desert sky, and one thoroughly unbeatable world record: Palm Springs just threw a birthday party that Marilyn herself would have absolutely and completely adored.
