April Fool's Day in Colombia is one of the most unusual and fun dates on the national calendar. Every December 28th , Colombians combine humor with religious tradition, recalling a biblical story that over time has transformed into a day filled with jokes, joy, and creativity.
Although many associate it only with jokes between friends, its origin has a much deeper background.
The origin of April Fools' Day
The Day of the Holy Innocents has its roots in the biblical story told in the Gospel according to Saint Matthew. According to the story, King Herod ordered the killing of all children under two years old in Bethlehem to eliminate the newborn Jesus, whom he considered a threat to his power.
The Catholic Church established December 28th as a date to commemorate those innocent children who were victims of tyranny.
Over the centuries, this date took on a more popular and joyful tone, especially in countries with Hispanic traditions such as Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Spain and Ecuador , where communities began to associate the day with innocence and jokes, giving rise to the current celebrations.
How April Fools' Day is celebrated in Colombia
In Colombia, December 28th is celebrated with a unique blend of humor, wit, and tradition. In towns, cities, and media outlets, creativity overflows on a day where almost anything is allowed, as long as it's done respectfully.
Some of the most common ways to celebrate include:
Pranks among friends and family: The typical "jokes" become the essence of the day. From fake calls to harmless jokes, the goal is to get people to laugh without causing harm.
Fake news in the media: Various radio and television programs and websites publish humorous or fabricated headlines, then warn with the phrase: "You fell for it!"
Cultural events and festivals: In regions such as Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Boyacá and the Colombian Caribbean , popular activities are organized that include parades, costume contests and comparsas.
School and community celebrations: In schools and neighborhoods, children learn the value of innocence and joy by performing dramatizations about the origin of the holiday.
The religious meaning behind the date
Despite its current humorous tone, April Fools' Day maintains a strong religious component. For many believers, this date is an opportunity to remember the purity of children and reflect on the value of life.
Masses and liturgical activities are held in several churches across the country, especially in rural communities where deep-rooted Catholic traditions are preserved.
Thus, December 28th combines Christian devotion with the joyful spirit of the Colombian people, becoming one of the country's most authentic and representative celebrations.
Unique April Fool's Day traditions in regions of Colombia
Each region of Colombia has adapted this date to its cultural style, giving rise to interesting local traditions:
In the Colombian Caribbean , local radio stations and channels prepare "innocent news," where everything is a joke until noon.
In Boyacá and Santander , families play small domestic jokes or change the ingredients of their meals to surprise their loved ones.
In Nariño and Valle del Cauca , popular festivals are held that combine costumes, troupes, and country humor.
In Bogotá , some media and social networks are joining in with digital humor, turning the day into a trend on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
Typical sayings and expressions for April Fools' Day
Colombian folklore is full of popular phrases that are repeated every December 28th, including:
“You fell for it!”
“Don’t believe everything you hear today.”
“If someone plays a joke on you, smile, it’s April Fool’s Day.”
These expressions, more than just words, reflect the characteristic good humor of the Colombian people and their ability to celebrate even dates with sad origins with an optimistic perspective.
April Fools' Day around the world and its connection to Colombia
Although the celebration has a very unique flavor in Colombia, it also shares elements with other Spanish-speaking countries. In Spain , for example, television prank contests are held; in Venezuela , it's combined with dances and parodies; while in Ecuador , December 28th is celebrated with satirical parades called "inocentadas."
These similarities reinforce the cultural heritage that unites Latin American peoples under a common tradition.
Curiosities of April Fools' Day in Colombia
In some municipalities, local newspapers print special editions filled with jokes and cartoons.
There are schools where teachers allow students to play small pranks as part of the teaching day.
On social media, it has become common to share memes and fake news with the hashtag #AprilFoolsDay .
How to enjoy April Fool's Day without going overboard
A sense of humor is part of the Colombian DNA, but it's always important to celebrate respectfully. Here are some recommendations for enjoying this day:
Avoid jokes that humiliate or generate serious misunderstandings.
Do not spread false information that could cause harm.
Prioritize healthy humor and creativity.
Remember the spiritual meaning of the date and its religious origin.