March 31st, 2026 english

Every year on April 1st, people around the world take part in a day filled with jokes, pranks, and playful surprises. But where did April Fool’s Day actually come from?

The truth is, no one knows for certain.

One of the most widely accepted theories dates back to 16th-century France. When the country switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Day moved from late March/early April to January 1st. However, not everyone caught on straight away. Those who continued to celebrate the New Year in April were teased and called “April fools,” often becoming the target of light-hearted pranks.

Over time, the tradition spread across Europe and evolved into the day we know today.

Different countries celebrate April Fool’s Day in their own unique ways. In France, people sometimes stick paper fish on each other’s backs – a tradition known as poisson d’avril. In Scotland, the celebrations historically lasted two days, while in modern times, companies and media outlets often join in by creating elaborate (and sometimes very convincing!) hoaxes.

At its heart, April Fool’s Day is about fun, connection, and not taking things too seriously. It’s a reminder that laughter plays an important role in bringing people together – something we see every day in an international learning environment.

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