International Joke Day

International Joke Day, celebrated annually on July 1, is a perfect opportunity to spread smiles and laughter among loved ones. Jokes are one of the oldest forms of communication, with a famous saying asserting that laughter is the best medicine. Science backs this up, as smiles and good humor are proven to combat stress and enhance well-being.

History

The exact origins of International Joke Day remain uncertain, though it is believed to have started in the United States. According to one version, American writer Wayne Reinagel claimed in interviews to have created this holiday in 1994.

Jokes have been an integral part of human culture since ancient times. The ancient Greeks attributed humor to Palamedes, who is said to have crafted clever anecdotes. Archaeological evidence points to humor in even earlier societies. The oldest known joke, attributed to the ancient Sumerians, dates back to 1900 BC. Another notable discovery is a joke from 1600 BC found in the Westcar papyrus. Humor continued to flourish through the centuries, as seen in works like Poggio Bracciolini’s 1470 anthology “Facetiae” and even in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” which features a famous “knock-knock” joke.

How to Take Part

Make International Joke Day memorable with these fun activities:

• Share your favorite jokes or funny stories on social media using holiday-themed hashtags;
• Watch a comedy show, series, or film with friends or family;
• Take a break from reading the news to reduce stress and focus on humor;
• Swap jokes with colleagues, family members, or friends to spread laughter.

When is International Joke Day in 2025?

International Joke Day is celebrated on July 1 every year.

Observations