Read about the origin, history and celebration of April Fools’ Day (Sizdah Bedar) in Iran.
Fundoo Times: Festivals: April Fools’ Day: April Fools’ Day in Iran

April Fools’ Day in Iran

Origin and History of April Fools’ Day in Iran

People of Iran celebrate April Fools’ Day on the 13th day of the Persian New Year (Norouz). This falls usually on the 1st or the 2nd of April. Iran has the oldest tradition of celebrating Fools’ Day as far back as 536 B C, which is celebrated as Sizdah Bedar which is alive even today. This is also an evidence to say that there was a special origin for the pranks day celebrated from time immemorial.

Local name: Sizdah Bedar

Ways to celeberate Sizdah Bedar in Iran

The Iranians play jokes on each other on this day and spend their time with lots of joy and fun. They like go roam around the streets and scare the strangers with some scary tricks and finally apologize to them so that the victim doesn’t take it hard. They Sizdah Bedar prank is even today famous and played in Iran on this day.