On Friday, April 1, April’s Fool Day or the Day of the Innocents is celebrated, although it is also known as the Day of Jokes. Some historians place its origin in 1582, when France changed from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar by decision of Pope Gregory XIII.
The new calendar moved the dates of the celebrations, including the New Year, which until then was celebrated between March 25 and April 1. However, many continued to welcome the new year in the spring and not on January 1, which soon became the subject of ridicule, which would have spawned the term April Fools’ Day or Poissons. d’avril (April fish).
But other historians place the origin in Roman times, when the ancient religious festivals of the Hilarias took place in honor of Cibeles, mother of all the gods. There was a specific day around the March equinox that consisted of dressing up and making jokes without distinction.
Despite the different versions of its origin, the truth is that April Fools’ Day is still a vibrant celebration. Many have good jokes, but some, however, are a bit better than others.
Here are some of the funniest New York City-themed ones on social media so far this day.
RELOCATE THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING?
Who says the government can’t have a sense of humor? The New York City Department of Buildings scored some points with this prank.
“DOB inspectors are on the scene today at the @EmpireStateBldg to help ensure your Brooklyn relocation is done in a building code compliant manner! Fun fact: Statistically, historic tower relocations receive more code violations than any other type of project in New York City #SafetyFirst,” the agency tweeted.
