Every December 28th , Chile celebrates one of the most unusual celebrations on the calendar: April Fool's Day . Although today it's known for its pranks and mischief, its origins are far from humorous and have a historical and religious background that dates back to the early centuries of Christianity.
In Chile, this holiday blends tradition, mischief, and popular humor, adapting to the Chilean style with a touch of wit and satire, especially in the media and social networks.
You can learn more about similar events on our Chilean culture and traditions blog , where we cover celebrations that mark the national calendar.
Origin of the Day of the Holy Innocents
April Fools' Day has its roots in a biblical episode narrated in the Gospel of Matthew. According to the text, King Herod ordered the death of all children under two years of age in Bethlehem, with the aim of eliminating the newborn Jesus, whom he considered a threat to his throne.
The Catholic Church transformed this tragic event into a religious commemoration known as the Day of the Holy Innocents , remembering the sacrifice of those children.
Over time, the date lost its solemn character and in several Spanish-speaking countries—such as Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile—it became a day for friendly jokes and deception , similar to "April Fool's Day" in English-speaking countries.
How April Fools' Day is celebrated in Chile
In Chile, December 28th is celebrated with humor. People take advantage of the occasion to play pranks on family, friends, and coworkers , with the classic punchline:
“You fell for it!”
Pranks are usually lighthearted, such as fake news, fake calls, or messages meant to surprise the victim. However, it's expected to end in laughter and with no malicious intent.
In recent years, April Fools' Day has moved heavily onto social media , where fake posts, celebrity endorsements, and creatively crafted "fake news" abound.
Popular traditions of December 28 in Chile
Although there are no official celebrations or associated holidays, April Fool's Day keeps alive a very Chilean humorous tradition , with elements that vary according to region and environment:
Media: Some newspapers and channels publish false or exaggerated stories, which are later revealed to be hoaxes.
Offices and schools: Inside jokes are common, from fabricated emails to small, everyday tricks.
Rural communities: In some towns in the north and center, games, parades, and festivities with a popular feel are held.
This blend of humor and wit reflects Chilean identity, where sarcasm and mischief are part of the national character.
Examples of typical jokes in Chile
Some classic April Fools' Day pranks in Chile include:
Saying that a person won a made-up prize or contest.
Change names in the family WhatsApp group.
Posting shocking news on social media and ending with the phrase “Innocent little dove, you let yourself be fooled!”
Temporarily hide personal items, such as your cell phone or keys.
The important thing is to maintain the playful spirit without causing harm or offending anyone.
Differences between April Fools' Day in Chile and other countries
In Chile, the celebration focuses on humor and lighthearted jokes, without any prominent religious ceremonies.
In contrast, in countries like Spain and Mexico , activities with a more religious or traditional component are still held, including masses, processions, and theatrical performances.
This cultural diversity demonstrates how the same date can adapt to the values and customs of each society.
Chilean media and their role in tradition
Newspapers, digital portals, and radio stations in Chile often actively participate in this commemoration, publishing false or absurd headlines just for that day.
Some well-known examples include supposed announcements of new laws, political changes, or unexpected sports signings, which are later revealed to be hoaxes.
April Fools' Day has also become an opportunity to reflect on the veracity of information , especially in times when fake news can spread quickly.
The current meaning of April Fools' Day in Chile
Today, April Fools' Day combines humor, social criticism, and tradition.
Beyond the jokes, many Chileans take advantage of the date to laugh at themselves and close out the year with joy , leaving their routine behind before welcoming the New Year.
Thus, this celebration is kept alive thanks to popular ingenuity and the desire to share a moment of collective fun.