April 1 is known as April Fools’ Day in many countries across the world, from Japan to Brazil. It’s simply a bit of fun to most but in many places certain traditions have emerged that define it for that country. If you like a practical joke, then perhaps you’d like to take a holiday to Odessa, Ukraine, where a whole festival is held around April Fools’ Day? Otherwise, simply soak up the quirky traditions that a variety of cultures perform on or around this date.

It’s difficult to pinpoint how or where April Fools’ Day began. There are several theories, many of which seem plausible and all pointing to Europe as the place where the day took on this funny meaning.

We’re here to take you on some exclusive tours of the most colorful cities in the world from your armchair – though if you’re feeling inspired, then you can find each of these destinations on our luxury guided tours.

Fondue

Photo by angela pham on Unsplash

Fondue is Switzerland’s national dish, its name comes from the French word fondre, meaning to melt, and that is exactly what it is! Melted cheese combined with flavorful additions. Fondue was invented out of necessity, when the locals and herders relied only on cheese, wine, and bread to get them through the cold alpine winter. When the cheese made in the summer started to dry out and the bread became hard and stale during the winter months the ingenious locals melted the hard cheese with wine and dipped the stale bread into it.