April 1st is a day filled with laughter, jokes, and pranks. But have you ever wondered, where did April Fools' Day come from? Is April Fools' a holiday? And how is it celebrated around the world, including in Peru?
Hello, dear reader! Let's dive into the history of April Fools' Day and discover some fun prank ideas you can try in Peru. Keep reading!
The history of April Fools' Day
The origins of April Fools' Day remain uncertain, but one popular theory traces it back to the 16th century when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Those who continued celebrating the New Year in April were mocked and became the target of pranks. Since then, April 1st has become synonymous with practical jokes and harmless deception.
How April Fools' Day is celebrated
Across the globe, April 1st is a day to play tricks on friends, family, and even entire communities. From fake news stories to elaborate hoaxes, April Fools' Day pranks keep people entertained. But did you know that in Peru, the official Día de los Inocentes, or Day of the Innocents, is actually celebrated on December 28th? Similar to April Fools' Day, Peruvians take advantage of this day to pull off pranks and joke around with their loved ones.
Fun pranks to do on April Fools Day about Peru
If you're in Peru on April 1st, or even in Innocents day, and want to have some fun, here are some harmless but hilarious pranks you can try:
- New president Again?: Tell a Peruvian, “Did you hear? We have a new president again!” Given Peru’s frequent political changes, this prank will likely get a very real reaction before they realize it’s a joke!
*Fun fact: Peruvian humor is full of surprises! One of our former presidents, Martín Vizcarra, unintentionally inspired one of the most viral songs on the internet—Bebito Fiu Fiu, which became a Spotify hit worldwide!
- Llama taxi hoax: Convince another tourist that they can take a llama taxi through the streets of Cusco instead of a regular cab.
- The Inca treasure discovery: Send a friend a fake news article claiming that a newly discovered Inca treasure is hidden somewhere in their backyard.
- Machu Picchu entry fee shock: Tell a fellow traveler that Machu Picchu is now charging $1,000 per entry—then enjoy their reaction before revealing the joke!
- Pisco Sour without the pisco: Offer someone you know well a delicious-looking Pisco Sour, only for them to realize it’s just lemonade with egg yolk!
A Peruvian twist on April Fools’ Day
While Peru officially celebrates "Día de los Inocentes" in December, that doesn't mean April 1st passes without some fun. Many Peruvians who follow global traditions still enjoy pulling pranks on April Fools' Day. Tourists visiting Peru might even find themselves at the center of a friendly joke, whether it's a "mystical" Inca spell or a fake llama ride offer.
Looking for an adventure? Visit Peru with Peruvian Sunrise!
Peru is full of surprises—both in history and in humor! Whether you want to explore the breathtaking Machu Picchu, the mysterious Nazca Lines, or the vibrant culture of Cusco, Peruvian Sunrise is here to guide your journey. Book your trip today and experience the magic (and mischief) of Peru!
Happy April Fools' Day!