Every year on Aug. 16, people across the world mark National Tell a Joke Day, a lighthearted observance dedicated to the simple yet powerful act of sharing humor. Established to honor the art of joke-telling and the unifying force of laughter, the holiday encouraged people to connect through smiles — and occasionally, groans.

A brief history

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While the exact origins of National Tell a Joke Day remain somewhat mysterious, cultural evidence points to its establishment in the late 1990s. A Calendar.cx timeline traces several key moments in the holiday's development:

1987: The first unofficial mention appears in the Taylorville Breeze, a local Illinois publication.

1990: Arizona Governor Rose Mofford issues a formal

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