Happy April Fools’ Day!

While humans have generally been good at recording the roots of traditions and celebrations all around the world, there still seems to be a lot of debate on when the first April Fools’ Day was celebrated. Sure, there are many theories and a whole load of speculation, but one thing we know for sure — it’s a universal day of pranks, hoaxes, and jokes that’s celebrated all over the world.

With that in mind, we’re commemorating this jocular day by homing in on some great travel destinations that have inspired or experienced some of the most outrageously successful April Fool’s pranks in history…and some recommendations on how to find some laughs when you get there.

New York City — Baseball Prodigy Sidd Finch

Image via Flick CC – Cole Kennedy

Fans of the New York Mets were cock-a-hoop over an article in the April 1985 issue of Sports Illustrated, which reported that a talented young prodigy had just been signed by their team. The unknown young player, Sidd Finch, could allegedly pitch faster than any previous pitcher. Even though he had never played professional baseball the young Finch had mastered the sport at a Tibetan monastery. The hermit, who practiced yoga and rejected the material temptations of life in the outside world, was now ready to unleash his awesome talent at batters. Fans inundated the magazine with requests for more information on this star player, but little did they know Finch was a fictional creation of writer George Plimpton.

So if you’re ever in New York, consider taking a break from the world famous museums, restaurants, and shopping and head out to the Mets’ home: Citi Field in Queens. Starting April 3 (opening day), you can catch a game and visit the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum. We’re pretty sure you won’t find anything about Finch there, but it’ll be fun to ask. If you’re still in the mood to have your rib tickled, check out any one of New York’s famed comedy clubs when you’re done, including The Comedy Cellar.

Philadelphia — The Taco Liberty Bell

Angry callers flooded the lines to the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia in April 1996. The cause? Taco bell’s full page ad in six newspapers that it had recently purchased the iconic and historic Liberty Bell, which would now be known as the “Taco Liberty Bell.” The fury dissipated only after Taco Bell revealed that it was all a prank a few hours later. The best joke of the day, though, had to be attributed to White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry. When he was asked about the sale, he quipped that the Lincoln Memorial was also sold, and would henceforth be called the “Ford Lincoln Mercury Memorial.”

Any tourist’s first visit to Philadelphia pretty much requires swinging by the Independence National Historical Park, which is home to not only the Liberty Bell, but also the building where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. If you take the tour, be sure to ask your guide about the time a fast food company “bought” the bell! If that doesn’t get you laughing, check out two pillars of the city’s comedy scene: Helium Comedy Club and the Philly Improv Theater.

Sydney, Australia — The Great Sydney Iceberg

In 1978, Sydney denizens were thrilled to hear that millionaire business man Dick Smith had succeeded on his longstanding desire to have an iceberg towed all the way from Antarctica. He had finally done it! Smith had even touted the frozen water as being so pure that it would immediately improve any drink it was sunk into, and stated that he would sell cubes of it to the public for a reasonable price. As a barge pulled in the apparent frozen mass into Sydney’s famed harbor, local media enthusiastically reported its progress, but that enthusiasm soon melted when it started raining — and the firefighting foam and shaving cream that made up the fake iceberg was washed away, leaving behind only the plastic sheets that held up the hoax.

No visit to Sydney is complete without a stroll around its famous harbor and look out over the water, just like the crowds waiting for Smith’s “iceberg.” After you’ve done that, you can keep up the laughs by exploring Sydney’s comedy scene. Be sure to pop by Giant Dwarf for its renowned mix of storytelling events and improv theatre. And if you’re around April or May, you might be able to catch the Sydney Comedy Festival.

Sweden — The Magical Color TV Convertor

On April 1, 1962, Swedes were running frantically through their homes looking for nylon stockings. The main cause for the commotion was a news segment on the SVT channel. The channel’s technical expert put on his best poker face to deliver the latest news that the black and white broadcast viewers were seeing on their screens (color broadcasts in Sweden began in 1970) could now easily be converted to color if viewers simply pulled a nylon stocking over their TVs. His explanation that the stocking would bend light in order to produce color and the fact that he demonstrated the whole act on TV managed to fool even the most skeptical Swede.

The irony of this famed prank is that Sweden is filled with such colorful landscapes and natural beauty throughout the country that any visit will be awe-inspiring. Swedes also have a pretty good sense of humor, which is why SWIMP (the Sweden International Improv Festival) attracts hilarious talent from all around the world every March. You can also check out the famed Lund Comedy Festival at the end of August (in the city of Lund, duh).

London, England — Richard Branson’s UFO

On March 31, 1989, motorists on London’s highways were astounded to see a UFO with blinking lights hovering over the city. The UFO was reported to have landed in a field right outside London, and the police rushed to the scene after thousands called in the sighting. It was later revealed that the UFO was in fact a hot air balloon that was made to look like an alien craft in an elaborate prank by Virgin founder and international upstart Richard Branson. Branson himself was in the balloon, and even though his plan was to land in London’s Hyde Park on April 1, uncooperative winds had forced him to land a day earlier.

There are plenty of reasons to visit London, from its history to its cosmopolitan culture, but the famed British humor isn’t bad either — you’ll notice that Brits are connected to a large number of these pranks. In London, you can check out a whole museum dedicated to the history of British comedy, the Museum of Comedy. You can also see one of the comedic plays running in the city’s theater district, or crack up at Downstairs at the King’s Head, one of the oldest comedy clubs in the UK.

Switzerland — The Spaghetti Tree Affair

The BBC’s current affairs show Panorama had a very credible reputation and was watched by a huge audience across the UK and the world. So viewers didn’t bat an eyelid when a 3-minute segment on the show in April 1957 featured a Swiss family picking spaghetti from trees. The show went on to explain that, due to auspicious weather, the Swiss were enjoying a record Spaghetti harvest. Combine the news with the fact that spaghetti wasn’t a very popular or well-known food across the UK at the time, and you had the recipe for what is probably the perfect April Fools’ hoax. Hundreds of viewers called in to find out how they could grow their own spaghetti trees. The BBC replied in typical British fashion: “place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best.”

You can crack yourself by asking the Swiss for directions to a spaghetti tree farm or putting a stick of spaghetti in the ground at Geneva’s Anglais Garden. But if you want to laugh along with others, in between all the amazing things you can do in Switzerland (like hiking, skiing, mountain climbing, and more) head on over to Zurich’s International Comedy Club, where jokes are in English.

Juneau, Alaska — The Fake Volcanic Eruption

Mount Edgecumbe, Alaska

In 1974, an unforgettable April Fools’ prank left the residents of Juneau, Alaska, in awe and alarm. Local prankster Oliver “Porky” Bickar orchestrated an elaborate hoax, making it appear as though the long-dormant Mount Edgecumbe volcano was erupting. Bickar hauled hundreds of old tires to the volcano’s crater via helicopter and set them ablaze. The resulting billows of black smoke convinced many in Juneau that the volcano was indeed erupting. Panic spread quickly, and the Coast Guard was dispatched to investigate. Upon arrival, they found the tires burning and “April Fool” spray-painted in 50-foot letters on the snow.

Juneau’s comedy club scene is a hidden gem, offering a distinctive blend of local talent and visiting performers. Venues like the Gold Town Theater host regular comedy nights, creating an intimate atmosphere where laughter fills the room. The community’s support for the arts ensures a lively, welcoming environment, making Juneau a surprising hotspot for comedy lovers seeking a memorable night out.

FAQs: 

Q: What is the best time to visit New York City for a Mets game at Citi Field?
A: The baseball season typically runs from April to October, with Opening Day usually in early April. Check the Mets’ schedule for specific game dates.

Q: Are there guided tours available at the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia?
A: Yes, guided tours are available, providing insights into the history of the Liberty Bell and other significant sites. It’s best to check the official website for tour times and ticket information.

Q: How can I get tickets for the Sydney Comedy Festival?
A: Tickets for the Sydney Comedy Festival can be purchased online through the festival’s official website or at participating venues. It’s recommended to buy tickets in advance as shows can sell out quickly.

Q: What is the best way to experience the natural beauty of Sweden while visiting for a comedy festival?
A: Consider combining your trip with outdoor activities like hiking, exploring national parks, or taking a scenic drive through the countryside. Many comedy festivals are held in cities with easy access to natural attractions.

Q: Where is the Museum of Comedy located in London?
A: The Museum of Comedy is located in Bloomsbury, London, within the crypt of St George’s Church. It features a range of comedy memorabilia and hosts live performances.

Q: What wildlife can I expect to see in Madagascar?
A: Madagascar is known for its unique wildlife, including various species of lemurs, chameleons, and birds. National parks and reserves offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Q: Are there any special comedy events or festivals in Zurich, Switzerland?
A: Zurich hosts the International Comedy Club, which features regular performances in English. Check their schedule for special events or festival dates to catch international and local comedians.

Have you ever been to any of these comedic destinations? Tells us about it in the comments below!