April's Fool May 2026
April Fools' Day, observed annually on , is a global custom defined by practical jokes, lighthearted trickery, and the spreading of hoaxes. While it is not a public holiday, it is celebrated widely across cultures with the goal of exposing "fools" through harmless pranks. Historical Origins and Theories
: Experts suggest avoiding jokes related to health (e.g., pregnancy, COVID-19 symptoms), mental health, or serious personal issues like breakups. April's Fool
: Large organizations frequently participate. A famous example is the BBC’s 1956 "spaghetti harvest" documentary, which convinced millions that spaghetti grew on trees in Switzerland. Best Practices for Pranking April Fools' Day, observed annually on , is
: A leading theory suggests the tradition began when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Those who continued to celebrate the New Year around April 1 (the spring equinox) instead of January 1 became the target of jokes and were called "April fools". : Large organizations frequently participate