National Wing Day
National Wing Day is a celebration dedicated to one of America’s favorite foods – chicken wings. This annual event honors the sticky, spicy, satisfying chicken wing that has become an iconic party food and game day staple across the United States.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: July 29th each year
- Tagged as: Food holiday, Culinary celebration
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalChickenWingDay
- When was it founded?: 1977
- Who founded it?: Stan Makowski, former mayor of Buffalo, New York
History of National Wing Day
National Chicken Wing Day was established in 1977 when Buffalo, New York Mayor Stan Makowski proclaimed July 29th as a day to celebrate chicken wings. The proclamation came as a way to honor what had become known as “Buffalo wings,” a culinary creation that originated in Buffalo in the 1960s. The most popular origin story credits Teressa Bellissimo, owner of the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, with inventing the dish in 1964 when she prepared a late-night snack for her son and his friends using leftover chicken wings that were typically reserved for making stock. She deep-fried them and tossed them in a special sauce made of melted butter, hot sauce, and red pepper, creating what would become an American food phenomenon.
Timeline
- 1964: Teressa Bellissimo creates the first Buffalo wings at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York
- 1977: The first official National Chicken Wing Day is celebrated in Buffalo
- 1990s: McDonald’s introduces Mighty Wings to their menu
- 1991: KFC rolls out their Hot Wings a year after McDonald’s
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 29 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 29 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 29 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 29 | Saturday |
| 2029 | July 29 | Sunday |
| 2030 | July 29 | Monday |
How National Wing Day is Observed
Many restaurants and bars across the country offer special deals on chicken wings for National Wing Day, with some even giving away free wings with certain purchases. Wing enthusiasts celebrate by gathering with friends to enjoy different flavors and styles of wings, hosting wing-eating contests, or trying new wing recipes at home. Some cities with strong wing cultures, like Buffalo, hold larger celebrations and festivals centered around the day.
Fun Facts About Chicken Wings
- The record for most wings eaten is 444 wings in 26 minutes, set by Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti during the 2015 Wing Bowl
- Americans consume approximately 1.25 billion chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday alone
- The average American eats about 90 chicken wings per year
- One chicken wing typically contains about 141 calories without sauce
- The National Buffalo Wing Festival held in Buffalo, New York attracts around 800,000 people annually
- The South consumes more wings than any other region in the United States, while the Pacific region consumes the least
Quiz
- In what year were Buffalo wings invented?
- Who is credited with inventing Buffalo wings?
- When is National Chicken Wing Day celebrated?
- How many chicken wings does the average American eat per year?
(Answers: 1964, Teressa Bellissimo, July 29, 90 wings)
FAQs
Are Buffalo wings and chicken wings the same thing?
Buffalo wings are a specific style of chicken wing that originated in Buffalo, New York. They’re typically deep-fried without breading and coated in a vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce mixed with butter. While all Buffalo wings are chicken wings, not all chicken wings are prepared Buffalo-style.
Why are they called Buffalo wings?
They’re named after the city where they were invented – Buffalo, New York – not after the animal.
What’s traditionally served with Buffalo wings?
Traditionally, Buffalo wings are served with celery sticks and either blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
Importance of National Wing Day
National Wing Day celebrates not just a popular food item but a significant piece of American culinary history. What began as a creative use for leftover chicken parts has evolved into a billion-dollar industry and a cornerstone of American casual dining and sports culture. The day recognizes the innovation behind the dish and provides an opportunity for businesses and wing enthusiasts to come together in appreciation of this beloved food.
Related Celebrations
- National Fried Chicken Day (July 6)
- International Chicken Wing Day (July 1)
- National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day (April 4)
- National Curried Chicken Day (January 12)
- National Rotisserie Chicken Day (June 2)
- Super Bowl Sunday (varies, typically early February)