National Empanada Day

National Empanada Day is a delightful celebration of one of the world’s most versatile and beloved pastries: the empanada. Originating in Spain and Portugal, empanadas are stuffed pastries that can be savory or sweet, baked or fried, and filled with a variety of ingredients ranging from meats and vegetables to fruits and cheeses. This day is a tribute to the cultural significance and culinary diversity of empanadas enjoyed across the globe.

Quick Facts

When is it? April 8
Tagged as: Food, Pastry, Culinary Heritage
What’s the hashtag? #NationalEmpanadaDay
When was it founded? 2011
Who founded it? Grassroots food enthusiasts

History of National Empanada Day

Empanadas trace their origins back to medieval Iberia during the Moorish invasions. The term “empanada” comes from the Spanish word empanar, meaning “to bread” or “to wrap in bread.” The first recorded recipe appeared in a Catalonian cookbook in 1520, featuring seafood-filled empanadas. Spanish colonizers introduced empanadas to Latin America, where they evolved into regional variations. Over time, this portable and flavorful dish became a symbol of culinary creativity in many cultures.

Timeline

Medieval Iberia: Empanadas emerge during the Moorish period.
1520: First written recipe for empanadas appears in a Spanish cookbook.
Colonial Era: Empanadas are introduced to Latin America by Spanish settlers.
2011: National Empanada Day is officially recognized.

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	April 8	Tuesday
2026	April 8	Wednesday
2027	April 8	Thursday
2028	April 8	Saturday
2029	April 8	Sunday
2030	April 8	Monday

Observed

National Empanada Day is celebrated by indulging in empanadas at home or at restaurants. People often try new recipes, host empanada-making parties, or explore regional variations of this pastry. Some even attend festivals or competitions dedicated to empanadas.

Fun Facts About Empanadas

Empanadas are called “Jamaican patties” in Jamaica.
Argentina serves dessert empanadas filled with fruits like quince or sweet potato.
The largest empanada ever made weighed over 1,500 kilograms in Chile!

Quiz

Where did empanadas originate?
What does the word empanar mean?
Name one sweet variation of an empanada.

(Answers: Spain/Portugal; To bread or wrap in bread; Fruit-filled dessert empanadas)

FAQs

What are traditional fillings for empanadas?
Common fillings include beef, chicken, cheese, vegetables, and seafood. Sweet versions may include fruit or custard.

Are empanadas baked or fried?
They can be either baked or fried, depending on regional preferences.

What makes empanadas different from samosas?
Empanadas are crescent-shaped, while samosas are triangular.

Importance of National Empanada Day

This day highlights the cultural significance of empanadas as a symbol of culinary diversity and creativity. It also encourages people to explore global cuisines and appreciate how food connects communities.