April Fools Day 2024: Unique April Fools' Day Celebrations Around The World

Published: Monday, April 1, 2024, 16:40 [IST]

April Fools’ Day, observed annually on April 1, has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures, yet its exact origins remain shrouded in mystery. Here is how different countries mark this day.

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France - Le Poisson d’Avril (April Fish): In France, April 1 is affectionately known as Le Poisson d’Avril, which literally translates to “April Fish.” People indulge in chocolaterie buissière (chocolate figurines shaped like fish). The French tape paper fish to each other’s backs and shout “Poisson d’Avril” at those they’ve successfully duped.

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Finland - Aprillia, syö silliä, juo kuravettä päälle: After fooling someone on April Fools’ Day, the Finnish custom is to shout this tongue-twister. It translates to “April trick, eat herring, drink muddy water afterwards!” Even Finns admit it doesn’t make much sense, but it’s all in good fun.

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Iran - Sidzah-Bedar (Nature Day): The 13th day of the Persian New Year (which overlaps with April 1 or 2) is celebrated as Sidzah-Bedar in Iran. People picnic outdoors with friends and throw leafy greens into water to ward off bad luck. It’s also a day for telling little white lies called “thirteenth lies.”

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Italy - Pesce d’Aprile (April Fish): Italians celebrate April Fools’ in a manner similar to the French. They call it Pesce d’Aprile (again, April Fish). Tradition involves taping paper fish to the backs of unsuspecting victims. Italian newspapers, companies, and even the government join in the festivities.

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Netherlands - 1 april, kikker in je bil, die er nooit meer uit wil: In the Netherlands, there aren’t many specific April Fools’ traditions. However, they do enjoy shouting this phrase at their victims. It translates to “1st of April, frog in your butt, that never wants to come out again".

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Scotland - Hunt the Gowk and Tailie Day: Scots celebrate April Fools’ with Hunt the Gowk (fool) and Tailie Day. They send people on phony errands and play pranks involving derrieres. The spirit of mischief runs high in Scotland.

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Belgium - Aprilvis (April Fish): Belgium shares the tradition of taping paper fish to people’s backs. The phrase “Aprilvis” refers to this playful custom.

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Portugal - Dia das Mentiras (Day of Lies): In Portugal, April Fools’ Day is known as Dia das Mentiras. People play pranks and tell tall tales to unsuspecting friends and family.