Cushion Combat

Montrealers Battle Bedroom-Style on International Pillow Fight Day

NewsElsa Jabre — Published April 3, 2011

“We had no expectations as to the number of people attending,” said co-organizer Vincent Morasse. “On Facebook [it said there were] 1,000 people attending.

“Of course, it was less than that, but in the three years we have [held] Pillow Fight Day in Montreal, it has been the biggest group yet. We never had feathers on the ground before!”

Approximately 100 to 150 people joined the epic pillow fighting, which lasted almost two hours, with short breaks.

After pillow-fighting for thirty minute intervals, a voice would shout, “Rest!” and everyone would drop on the floor and chant songs, often for as long as two to three minutes.

The group would often split into two large groups, with each side charging each other, brandishing with their pillows.

One participant Ricky said, “The rests felt great because I was tired, but they should have [had] rest stops more [often].”

A nearby protest against the Moroccan government took place adjacent to the large crowd of pillow fighters.

“It didn’t really matter if there was a protest or not,” said Morasse. “Last year there were dancers with drums and the pillow fight continued; it actually added to it.”

Most participants said this was their first time attending and that they had heard about the event through Facebook or a friend. In comparison to the last two years’ events in Montreal, organizer Malcolm Cox said, “The weather is perfect for this event today and we’re happy about the turnout.”

For more information, visit pillowfightday.com.