Over a thousand Marilyn Monroes just took over a desert town to crush a world record

Exactly 1,037 lookalikes gathered in Palm Springs to celebrate her 100th birthday and beat the old record of 254.

Sometimes a community comes together for something completely wild. Seeing over a thousand people in matching white dresses shows how much one icon still matters.

WHAT HAPPENED

Palm Springs just became home to the largest group of Marilyn Monroe lookalikes in history.

Exactly 1,037 people dressed up as the star. They gathered to celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday.

The crowd easily beat the old Guinness World Record. That previous record was set in Australia with only 254 people.

WHAT THE RECORD SHOWS

1,037: The number of Marilyn Monroe lookalikes who showed up.

• 254: The previous world record set in Australia.
• 100: The birthday anniversary they were celebrating.
• 1: Palm Springs, California, where the event took place.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Why does Marilyn Monroe still capture our minds so many decades later?

This event shows that her image is still a massive draw, even for people who were not alive when she was.

THE OTHER SIDE

Some might say these mass gatherings are just silly stunts to get tourists to visit.

Yet, the pure joy on the faces of the crowd suggests it was a real moment of connection for fans.

It is hard to argue with a crowd of over one thousand happy people.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

The town of Palm Springs gets to keep the official Guinness World Record title.

Fans are already talking about how to make the next big birthday bash even larger.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. How many people traveled from outside the country to take part?
2. What did Guinness do to verify every single costume?
3. Will Australia try to win their record back soon?

SOURCE NOTE

All facts come from local event organizers and Guinness World Record filings. All charges are allegations - Marilyn Monroe is presumed innocent until proven guilty.