April 1st is a day of practical jokes and laughs in France. French kids (and grown-ups in touch with their inner child) cut out paper fish and stick them onto the backs of unsuspecting friends and teachers. The friend then becomes “poisson d’avril,” hence the name “The Fish of April” for April Fool’s Day. Bakeries and pastry shops get into the festive spirit by making a plethora of fish-shaped goodies. This tradition is also found in Italy (pesce d'aprile!) and Belgium (aprilvis!).
Watch your back on 1er avril!
Watch your back on 1er avril!
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