NATIONAL POPCORN LOVER'S DAY

NATIONAL POPCORN LOVER'S DAY

This March, we’re shifting gears for the true enthusiasts—those who don't just eat popcorn, they live for it. Observed annually on the second Thursday of the month, National Popcorn Lover's Day honors everything from that nostalgic stovetop aroma to the salty, buttery crunch that keeps us reaching back into the bowl.

#NationalPopcornLoversDay

Popcorn has a steamy history dating back roughly 4,000 years. It was so central to Aztec culture that it was used to create ceremonial headdresses and garlands to honor Tlaloc, the god of rain and fertility. Before the invention of the modern popper, this accessible snack was handcrafted over open fires in simple wire baskets. However, once Charles Cretors introduced the steam-powered popcorn machine in 1885, the snack became an essential fixture at street corners, circuses, and theaters alike.

Did you know? Before theaters allowed popcorn inside, independent vendors would rent space on the sidewalk directly in front of the theater. Patrons would buy popcorn outside and "smuggle" it in under their coats.

Popcorn’s popularity surged during the Great Depression as one of the few luxuries families could still afford. While other industries faltered, the popcorn business thrived thanks to movie theaters selling the inexpensive treat to patrons. Ironically, many theaters had initially banned the snack, fearing that the noisy crunch would distract from the experience of silent films.

5 Kernels of Truth

  • 3600 BCE: The oldest known popcorn kernels are found in New Mexico.

  • 1519: Hernán Cortés sees Aztecs using popcorn in ceremonies and documents the process in his journal.

  • 1885: Charles Cretors invents the steam-powered popper revolutionizing the availability to just about anyone.

  • 1930s: Popcorn saves the movie theater industry during the Depression because it could be sold at a cheap price.

  • 1981: General Mills receives the first patent for microwave popcorn bags.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL POPCORN LOVER'S DAY

We consider popcorn a celebration snack! Something you can share, transform, and indulge in with little regret. We're sharing our list of ways you can celebrate National Popcorn Lover's Day.

  1. Invite your friends over for a popcorn potluck! Instead of asking them to bring standard food items, ask them to bring a bowl of popcorn with a flavor twist. Encourage them to add a savory seasoning, a spicy flavor, or a sweet drizzle of some sort!

  2. Plan a movie night with your popcorn reflecting the genre you plan on watching. If you're watching a classic movie, use real butter and sea salt. If you're watching a western, add some paprika or barbeque-flavored seasoning.

  3. Do a popcorn experiment with your kids! Store half your kernels in the freezer and half in the pantry. Pop them separately to see which ones result in fluffier flakes (Hint: Moisture matters!).

  4. Popcorn makes a great gift. Pop some popcorn using different flavors, bag it up and give it to your friends. Don't forget to add a nice bow and a note of inspiration just because.

  5. How are you popping off this March 12? Whether you’re a butter purist or a gourmet experimentalist, we want to see your National Popcorn Lover’s Day setup! Share a photo of your favorite bowl on social media using the hashtag  #PopcornLoversDay.

CREATOR OF NATIONAL POPCORN LOVER'S DAY

National Popcorn Lover's Day was created in 2012 by Bob Matthews (Rochester, NY). Bob and his wife had a standing "date night" every Thursday that always centered around a fresh bowl of popcorn. To honor the simple joy of that weekly ritual, Bob established this day on the second Thursday of March, ensuring that no matter the year, the celebration always lands on a Thursday—just like his date nights.