The earliest April Fools’ Day hoax on record was in 1698, when people in London were told to go see the annual ceremony of the washing of the lions.

Learn when April Fools' Day 2026 is, where the holiday may have come from and how prank traditions spread over time.

So far today you’ve put toothpaste in your kid’s Oreos, brought mayo-filled Krispy Kremes to your co-workers, and placed a rubber band around the faucet sprayer as a surprise for your spouse. “It’s ...