April Fools’ Day is the one time of year when people can freely troll and play lighthearted pranks without judgment. It's not just a day for harmless fibs, but a chance to deliver unexpected laughs to your friends, family, or coworkers. So, when exactly is April Fools’ Day in 2025, where did this tradition come from, and how can you enjoy it without going overboard? Let’s dive in with Chus!

April Fools’ Day is also known as the Lies Day

April Fools’ Day is also known as the Lies Day

When is April Fools’ Day 2025?

April Fools’ Day always falls on April 1st each year. In 2025, that date will be a Tuesday—right in the middle of the week—making it a perfect time to shake up the routine of school or work with some unexpected fun.

April Fools’ Day falls on April 1st every year

April Fools’ Day falls on April 1st every year

Although it’s not an official holiday in Vietnam, April Fools’ Day is still widely celebrated, especially among young people and office workers. Some prank their best friends, others troll coworkers, and many drop outrageous fake news on social media just to see their friends’ reactions.

What Is April Fools’ Day and Where Did It Come From?

April Fools’ Day is all about good-natured jokes and pranks—so long as the person being tricked ends up laughing too. While it’s not a Vietnamese tradition, it’s easy to find funny, clever pranks floating around on April 1st.

As for its origin, there are a few interesting theories:

One of the most well-known comes from 16th-century France. Back then, people used to celebrate New Year’s at the end of March. When the calendar changed and New Year’s was officially moved to January 1st, some people didn’t get the memo and kept celebrating in April. These “latecomers” were called “April fools,” and so the pranking began.

Some theories suggest it was once the old New Year’s Day in France

Some theories suggest it was once the old New Year’s Day in France

Another theory traces the tradition to the Roman festival of Hilaria, where people dressed in disguise and played joyful pranks on each other. Some even believe the unpredictable spring weather—with sunshine one moment and rain the next—is nature’s own version of an April Fools’ joke.

Whatever the real origin, April 1st has become a global excuse to joke around, surprise others, and laugh a little harder than usual.

What Do People Usually Do on April Fools’ Day?

People pull all kinds of pranks on April Fools' Day—from silly to downright genius. Some students might fake a pop quiz to see classmates panic before bursting out laughing. Office workers send fake resignation emails, only to end with “Just kidding—April Fools!” And on social media, the shock posts are endless: “I’m getting married,” “I’m pregnant,” or “Got a promotion!”—all just bait for reactions.

In some European countries like France, kids cut out paper fish and secretly stick them on people’s backs. When the prank is discovered, they gleefully shout “Poisson d’Avril!”—meaning “April Fish!”. That’s probably why in Vietnam, the day is called “Cá tháng Tư”—literally “April Fish”—a nod to the French tradition.

In the UK and US, even major news outlets and popular brands join the fun by releasing fake headlines so convincing that readers have to double-check the date.

A classic prank is sticking paper on someone’s back

A classic prank is sticking paper on someone’s back

Tất nhiên, những trò đùa này chỉ thật sự ý nghĩa khi không làm người khác khó chịu, không động chạm đến các vấn đề nhạy cảm, và quan trọng nhất: ai cũng có thể bật cười sau khi biết mình bị lừa.

Can You Give Gifts on April Fools’ Day?

Absolutely—but make it clever!

April Fools' isn't a typical gift-giving holiday, but it’s a perfect opportunity to give a surprise gift with a twist. The idea is to playfully mislead the recipient for a moment, then deliver a heartfelt or hilarious reveal.

You could give a soap bar shaped like food, or a box that looks empty but hides a cute message. These quirky gifts create double the fun: first confusion, then a warm laugh.

Some couples even use April Fools’ Day to flirt or confess feelings, jokingly saying, “I like you... just kidding—unless you like me too?” It's a playful way to test the waters while keeping things light.

Gifting with a twist adds an extra layer of fun and helps deepen relationships in a truly memorable way.

Fun Facts About April Fools’ Day

Besides the laughs, April Fools’ Day has inspired plenty of legendary moments and awkward stories:

  • In Vietnam, many young people confess their feelings on April Fools’ as a “safe bet.” If the crush says yes, great! If not? “Relax, it was just a joke!”

  • In 1957, BBC aired a fake documentary on spaghetti growing on trees in Switzerland. Viewers believed it and even called in asking how to plant their own spaghetti trees.

  • Google has long been a master of April Fools’, once pretending to launch “Google Nose”—a scent-based search engine—and “pet language translation.”

  • In France, the day is called Poisson d’Avril (April Fish), and kids play tricks involving paper fish.

  • In some countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada, it’s considered bad manners to prank someone after noon. Morning pranks only!

 

Some people even choose April Fools’ Day to confess their love

Some people even choose April Fools’ Day to confess their love

Final Thoughts

April Fools’ Day is a joyful time to lighten up, connect with others, and enjoy a little creative chaos—whether through clever jokes or playful surprise gifts. Just remember: a successful prank is all about timing, charm, and making sure everyone walks away smiling.

And if you want to turn your prank game into an art form, why not gift someone something that looks fake but is secretly thoughtful? Discover handmade, imaginative gifts at Chus.vn—sure to make your April Fools' Day prank feel both hilarious and heartwarming.