If you come to Spain and you think April Fools’ Day is on April 1st… surprise!
In Spain, the day of jokes and pranks is December 28th, and it’s called Día de los Santos Inocentes.
Yes, we love confusing people. You’re welcome.
What is Día de los Santos Inocentes?
Originally, this day has a religious background related to a biblical story.
But don’t worry — nowadays no one is crying. We’re all laughing (or trying to).
On December 28th, Spaniards play jokes, spread fake news, and try to trick friends, family… and sometimes the entire country.
Typical Spanish “Inocentes” jokes 😂
Some classic pranks include:
- Telling someone something shocking and finishing with:
“¡Inocente, inocente!” - Fake news in newspapers and TV (yes, even serious ones).
- Announcing fake engagements, pregnancies, or job offers.
- Changing WhatsApp group names or profile pictures.
- Taping paper figures on people’s backs (old school but still effective).
Pro tip: Don’t believe anything you hear that day. Anything.
Media jokes: Spain goes BIG 📺
On December 28th, even newspapers, radios and TV channels publish fake stories.
Some are obvious, others are dangerously believable.
If you read a headline like:
“Spain officially replaces siesta with mandatory yoga breaks”
Stop. Breathe. Check the date.
Yes, you’ve been inocented.
Why not April 1st?
Honestly? Because Spain likes to do things its own way 😌
While many countries celebrate April Fools’ Day on April 1st, Spain sticks to December 28th.
So if you play a prank on April 1st in Spain, people will just look at you like:
👉 “Are you okay?”
Vocabulary you should know 📝
- Broma – joke
- Gastar una broma – to play a prank
- Inocente – innocent / gullible person
- Caer en la broma – to fall for the joke
Very useful words… especially if you want revenge
Final warning ⚠️
If you’re in Spain on December 28th:
- Don’t trust the news
- Don’t trust your friends
- And maybe… don’t trust your Spanish teacher either 😇
¡Inocente, inocente!
