Laughter Day (Fool's Day)

In Australia, the day begins literally with the laugh of a mockingbird. Australians are laughing and cheering on this day. Just like in other countries of the world, the inhabitants of the Green continent play each other out and give unusual funny gifts.

Although this day has its own traditions. In some countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, April Fools draws are held before lunch. If a person is caught in a prank afterward, he will very obviously be considered really not very smart.

That, however, does not bother the Australian media at all – that’s who “ate the dog” at the pranks. On April 1, even the most serious media are included in the marathon to gullible readers, listeners and spectators. It’s fun to joke about a friend or colleague, but is it a joke to play the whole country?

A lot of people do. On April 1, 1999, Adam Spencer, co-host of the morning show on the popular Australian radio station Triple J, stated that he was aware of the secret meeting of the International Olympic Committee and that as a result, Sydney lost the right to host the 2000 Summer Olympics. The draw was attended by New South Wales Premier Bob Carr, who "confirmed" the information. People believed, and the “hot news” was spread by all publications of the country.

On the Gold Coast (the most popular recreation area in Australia – popular mainly among students), the radio station Sea FM reported that the age threshold for buying alcohol is changing. Now they are sold not after 18 years, but after 21 years. There was no limit to the students' frustration - they even tried to stage a protest demonstration.

Fortunately, on the same day, leading radio stations admitted it was a prank.

On April 1, 2004, The Sydney Morning Herald published a "true" story that Chinese restaurant workers who deliver food carts would now have to obtain a special driver's license under new Sydney City Council rules. Drivers of carts too often break them, make a mess in restaurants or even hurt colleagues and visitors.

Restaurant owners grabbed their heads because more trained staff would have to pay more.

The ABC news service reported that drought in the north of the country has forced many freshwater crocodiles into southern rivers. Leading and respected reptilian expert Steve Sasse was cited.

“Farmers and tourists should not worry,” the report added. Freshwater crocodiles grow in length only up to three meters. And half that length is a tail!

No one was swimming in the river that day.