If you woke up today, December 28th, and saw a headline claiming that Mexico is officially joining the European Union or that the Mexican Space Agency is launching a mission to colonize the moon, don’t pack your bags just yet.

You haven’t woken up in a parallel universe—you’ve just stepped into Día de los Santos Inocentes (Holy Innocents’ Day).

The Surprising Origin

While today is filled with laughter and pranks, its origins are actually quite solemn. Historically, the day commemorates the biblical story of King Herod’s decree. However, over centuries, the tradition evolved in Spain and Latin America, merging with pagan festivities (like the “Feast of Fools”) to become what it is today: the Hispanic version of April Fools’ Day.

The name “Innocents” took on a double meaning: referring both to the historical figures and to the “innocent” friends and family members who are easily fooled by a good prank.

The Art of the Mexican Prank

In Mexico, we take our pranks seriously. It’s not just between friends; the media gets involved too! It is very common to see:

• National Newspapers publishing “breaking news” about celebrities retiring or impossible political alliances.
• Tech Announcements about life-changing inventions that defy the laws of physics.
• Social Media posts announcing fake weddings or unexpected moves to Switzerland (remember our “Controlled Chaos” post?).

The Golden Rule: Never Lend Money!

There is one specific tradition you must remember if you are in Mexico today: never lend money or precious objects.

If you lend someone money on December 28th, don’t expect to see it back quickly! The “borrower” is legally (in the world of pranks) allowed to keep it. Once the prank is revealed, the joker will look at their “victim” and recite the traditional rhyme:

“Inocente palomita que te dejaste engañar, sabiendo que en este día nada se debe prestar.”

(Innocent little dove, you let yourself be fooled, knowing that on this day, nothing should be lent.)

Why We Love This Day

This tradition fits perfectly into the Mexican spirit we love so much. It’s about humor, quick wit, and not taking life too seriously. It reminds us that even in a world that can be chaotic, there is always room for a joke and a bit of shared laughter.

So, if a friend tells you something shocking today, take a second before you react. Look for the glint in their eye, you might be about to become the next “innocent palomita!”