10 bizarre April Fools’ Day traditions around the world.

10 bizarre April Fools' Day traditions around the world.
Jaime Reina/AFP/Getty Images. Repellers dressed in mock military garb take part in "Els Enfarinats" food-battle in the southeastern Spanish town of Ibi on December 28, 2022, a celebration very similar to April Fools' Day.

April 1st is known worldwide as April Fools’ Day, a day for pranks and practical jokes. However, not all countries celebrate the day in the same way. In fact, some have their own unique customs and traditions. Below is a list compilation of 10 bizarre April Fools’ Day traditions from around the world.

  1. In Scotland, the tradition of “hunting the gowk” involves sending someone on a wild goose chase, often to find a nonexistent item.
  2. In France, April Fools’ Day is called “Poisson d’Avril” or “April Fish,” and it’s customary to stick paper fish on people’s backs without them knowing.
  3. In Iran, the day is called “Sizdah Bedar,” which means “13th day out,” and people spend the day outside picnicking and playing pranks on each other.
  4. In Portugal, people throw flour at each other on April Fools’ Day, a tradition that dates back to the 16th century.
  5. In Brazil, the day is called “Dia da Mentira,” which means “Day of Lies,” and it’s customary to tell outrageous lies and see who can get away with it.
  6. In India, the festival of Holi falls on April 1st, and it’s a day of colorful celebration and mischief-making.
  7. In Belgium, children lock their parents out of the house and demand treats as ransom on April Fools’ Day.
  8. In Mexico, the day is called “Dia de los Santos Inocentes,” or “Day of the Holy Innocents,” and people play pranks on each other just like on April Fools’ Day.
  9. In Italy, the tradition of “Pesce d’Aprile” involves sticking paper fish on people’s backs, similar to the French tradition.
  10. In the United States, pranks and practical jokes are commonplace on April Fools’ Day, but one of the most famous is the annual Google prank, where the company announces a fake product or feature.

These are just a few examples of the many unique April Fools’ Day traditions around the world. Whether you’re hunting the gowk in Scotland or sticking a paper fish on someone’s back in France, the day is all about having fun and not taking things too seriously.

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