April Fools' Day
The one day a year the world agrees to laugh at itself.
About
April Fools' Day on April 1 is one of the most widely recognised humour traditions in the world. The day is defined by pranks, hoaxes, and practical jokes — played by individuals on friends and family, by media outlets on their audiences, and by companies on their customers. There is no public holiday attached to it, no official ceremonies, and no governing body — it simply persists because people enjoy it. The best April Fools' pranks tend to be clever rather than cruel: believable enough to briefly fool, harmless enough to be funny when revealed. Media and corporate April Fools' content has become its own genre — some genuinely inventive, some groan-worthy. The tradition crosses cultural and linguistic boundaries with surprising ease, adapting to local sensibilities while retaining its essential spirit of light-hearted deception. In a world that often takes itself very seriously, one day dedicated to not doing so has obvious appeal.
History
The exact origins of April Fools' Day are debated. One popular theory links it to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in France around 1564, which moved New Year's Day from late March/early April to January 1 — and 'fools' who hadn't heard the change were mocked. Others trace similar traditions to ancient festivals like Hilaria in Rome or the Persian Sizdah Bedar. Whatever its origins, the tradition was well-documented across Europe by the 18th century.
Where It's Observed
Cultural Context
US United States
Americans go big on April Fools' — newsrooms, tech companies, and brands all participate. Some of the most famous hoaxes have originated in the US, including the 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast (which happened to fall near April 1 in popular memory). The day is celebrated in schools and offices nationwide.
KR South Korea
April Fools' Day (만우절, Manwujeol) is widely observed in South Korea, particularly among younger generations. It is treated as an occasion for light pranks among friends and family, and Korean companies and media sometimes participate with humorous content.
JP Japan
April Fools' Day in Japan (エイプリルフール) is popular especially online and in corporate marketing. Japanese brands are known for elaborate and creative product announcements that are deliberately too good to be true — part of the day's charm in Japanese pop culture.
How to Participate
- 01Plan a clever, harmless prank on a friend or colleague
- 02Read a roundup of the best media and corporate April Fools' jokes from this year
- 03Watch a classic comedy or stand-up special to mark the day
- 04Write a fake news headline about your own life and see if anyone believes it
Frequently asked questions
When is April Fools' Day?+
April Fools' Day is observed annually on April 1. The date is fixed each year — April 1 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is April Fools' Day?+
April Fools' Day on April 1 is one of the most widely recognised humour traditions in the world. The day is defined by pranks, hoaxes, and practical jokes — played by individuals on friends and family, by media outlets on their audiences, and by companies on their customers. There is no public holid…
Is April Fools' Day a public holiday?+
April Fools' Day is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.
How can I participate in April Fools' Day?+
Plan a clever, harmless prank on a friend or colleague Read a roundup of the best media and corporate April Fools' jokes from this year Watch a classic comedy or stand-up special to mark the day These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe April Fools' Day?+
Global — informal cultural tradition.
Mark the date
Download a free printable calendar for 2027 and never miss April Fools' Day.
US United States
United Kingdom
Australia
Canada
KR South Korea
JP Japan