April Fools' Day 😂

Overview

April Fools' Day is an annual tradition observed on April 1st, where people play practical jokes and hoaxes on friends, family, and colleagues. While not a public holiday, it is widely recognized as a day for light-hearted deception, with pranks typically revealed by shouting "April Fools!" to conclude the joke.

Observed each year on April 1, April Fools' Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Origin and story

Its origins are debated, but a common theory links it to the 16th-century adoption of the Gregorian calendar, when those still celebrating the New Year on April 1st were mocked.

In France, Italy, and French-speaking Canada, an April Fool is called a "poisson d'avril" (April fish), often involving children taping a paper fish to an unsuspecting person's back.

Quick facts

• DateApril 1
• TypeKindness / Community
• Great forCommunity groups, Friends, Coworkers

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

• Post a story with #april-fools-day and invite others to try a tiny activity.
• Send a kind note or shout-out to someone who fits the theme.
• Share one fast fact about April Fools' Day: Its origins are debated, but a common theory links it to the 16th-century adoption of the Gregorian calendar, when those still celebrating the New Year on April 1st were mocked.
• April Fools' Day lands on April 1 — host a quick nod with Community groups, Friends and snap a photo.
• Write a note or journal entry on why April Fools' Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.

Fun facts

• Its origins are debated, but a common theory links it to the 16th-century adoption of the Gregorian calendar, when those still celebrating the New Year on April 1st were mocked.
• In France, Italy, and French-speaking Canada, an April Fool is called a "poisson d'avril" (April fish), often involving children taping a paper fish to an unsuspecting person's back.
• Major media outlets, including newspapers, radio, and television, have historically participated by reporting elaborate fake news stories, such as the BBC's famous 1957 report on a Swiss spaghetti harvest.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.

Continue to

• Yesterday: National Crayon DayQuick context from the day before.
• Tomorrow: National Ferret DayKeep the streak going with tomorrow's pick.
• Random pick: International No Diet DayJump to another surprise holiday.
• Popular: Talk Like a Pirate DayA fan favorite with broad appeal.

Related holidays

• National Zucchini Bread DayApril 25 - National Zucchini Bread Day, celebrated annually on April 25th, is a culinary holiday dedicated to the moist,...
• National Prime Rib DayApril 27 - National Prime Rib Day, celebrated annually on April 27th, is a culinary holiday dedicated to honoring the suc...
• National Pet DayApril 11 - National Pet Day, observed annually on April 11th, is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating the beloved...

FAQ

When is April Fools' Day?

It is observed on April 1 each year.

What is April Fools' Day?

April Fools' Day is an annual tradition observed on April 1st, where people play practical jokes and hoaxes on friends, family, and colleagues. While not a public holiday, it is widely recognized as a day for light-hearted deception, with pranks typically revealed by shouting "April Fools!" to conclude the joke.

How do people celebrate April Fools' Day?

Post a story with #april-fools-day and invite others to try a tiny activity.

Recently viewed holidays