On this day , practical jokes ( or April Fools ) are played on friends and family . Sometimes referred to as All Fools ' Day , April 1 is not a national holiday , but is widely recognized and celebrated as a day when many people play all kinds of jokes and foolishness . The day is marked by the commission of good-humoured or otherwise funny jokes , hoaxes , and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends , family members , teachers , neighbors , work associates , etc.