NATIONAL TACO DAY
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NATIONAL TACO DAY
Circle October 7th on your calendar, because it’s National Taco Day! On this food holiday, we honor the endlessly versatile and delicious taco. From the crunch of a hard shell to the softness of a warm corn tortilla, the taco is a perfect food for any occasion, ready to be filled with an incredible variety of ingredients.
Whether you prefer them as a quick snack or a full meal, it's time to get your appetite ready for a fiesta of flavor.
The Tale of the Taco
The story of the taco is deeply woven into the history of Mexico. Anthropological evidence shows Indigenous people living in the lake region of the Valley of Mexico filled fresh, soft corn tortillas with small fish. The first documented "taco feast" for Europeans was arranged by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. Chronicler Bernal Díaz del Castillo described the meal, served on corn tortillas, that Cortés hosted for his captains in Coyoacán.
The modern word "taco" is believed to have originated in the 18th-century silver mines of Mexico. Miners used charges of gunpowder wrapped in paper, which they called "tacos." Their lunchtime staple—tortillas wrapped around a spicy filling—looked strikingly similar to these dynamite sticks, and the name stuck.
Tacos were introduced to the United States by Mexican migrants in the early 20th century, with street vendors and taquerias popping up in cities across the Southwest. However, it was the invention of the pre-formed, hard-shell taco that helped launch the food into mainstream American culture.
Let's Taco 'Bout Some Facts
Americans eat over 4.5 billion tacos each year!
The hard-shell taco was made popular by Taco Bell in the 1950s.
The Guinness World Record for the largest taco ever made stretched over 246 feet long and was filled with carnitas (Mexico, 2011).
Breakfast tacos, filled with eggs, potatoes, chorizo, and cheese, are a morning staple in the U.S. and Mexico.
Whether you prefer soft or hard-shelled tortillas, most agree tacos satisfy a snack craving. However, they also make delicious meals. Considering that many are filled with seasoned, lean meats and vegetables, tacos go beyond delicious. Fish tacos and shrimp tacos with grilled seafood add a whole other flavor profile. Ask for grilled chicken and hold the cheese.
CELEBRATE NATIONAL TACO DAY
It's time to have some tacos! Here are some fantastic ways to celebrate this delicious food holiday:
Get out and support your favorite local Mexican restaurants, food trucks, and taco stands. It's the perfect day give them a shout-out online to encourage others to stop by your favorite spot.
Step out of your comfort zone and try something different from the standard ground beef taco. If you always get carne asada, try al pastor (marinated pork with pineapple) or carnitas (slow-cooked shredded pork). You might just find a new favorite.
Make it a taco bar party! Set up a build-your-own taco bar at home with a variety of shells, meats and fishes, and toppings like salsa, guacamole, cheese, and jalapeños.
Share your love for all things tacos on social media using the hashtag #NationalTacoDay and #TacoTuesday. We want to see your tacos!
NATIONAL TACO DAY HISTORY
While the taco itself is ancient, the holiday is a more recent creation. The idea began in 1960s San Antonio, Texas, where Roberto L. Gomez promoted a local "Taco Day" on May 3rd to lead into Cinco de Mayo celebrations. The holiday faded over time until 2009, when various businesses rallied to establish October 4th as National Taco Day. With the rise of internet culture, this date became widely celebrated.
In 2024, the date was officially moved to make the celebration even better. By shifting to the first Tuesday in October, National Taco Day now permanently falls on Taco Tuesday, creating the ultimate weekly and annual taco celebration.