American Pie Day: A Celebration of Tradition and Taste
American Pie Day is a delightful annual celebration dedicated to one of the most iconic desserts in American culture—pie. This day is all about indulging in sweet or savory pies, sharing recipes, and honoring the rich history of this beloved dish that has brought families and communities together for generations.
Quick Facts
- When is it? January 23
- Tagged as: Food, Dessert, Celebration
- What’s the hashtag? #NationalPieDay
- When was it founded? 1975
- Who founded it? Charlie Papazian, a Colorado teacher and pie enthusiast
History of American Pie Day
The origins of American Pie Day date back to 1975 when Charlie Papazian, a nuclear engineer and teacher from Boulder, Colorado, declared his birthday, January 23, as National Pie Day. His love for pie inspired him to create a day dedicated to celebrating this versatile dish. By 1986, the American Pie Council began sponsoring the event to preserve and promote America’s pie heritage. Today, National Pie Day is widely celebrated across the country with baking contests, pie-eating events, and social media campaigns.
Timeline
- 1975: Charlie Papazian establishes National Pie Day on his birthday.
- 1986: The American Pie Council begins sponsoring the day.
- 2014: Paramount Pictures collaborates with the American Pie Council to promote the movie Labor Day featuring a pie-making scene.
- 2023: Apple pie remains the most popular pie flavor in America.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 23 | Thursday |
| 2026 | January 23 | Friday |
| 2027 | January 23 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January 23 | Sunday |
| 2029 | January 23 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | January 23 | Wednesday |
Observed
American Pie Day is observed through various activities such as baking pies at home, hosting pie-themed parties, participating in community events like pie-eating contests or bake-offs, and sharing pie-related content on social media. Many bakeries also offer special discounts or free slices of pie to celebrate.
Fun Facts About Pies
- The first recorded pie recipe dates back to ancient Rome.
- Apple pie is often considered “as American as apple pie.”
- Pumpkin pies became a Thanksgiving staple in the U.S. during the 19th century.
- In Kansas, it was once illegal to serve ice cream on cherry pie.
Quiz
- Who founded National Pie Day?
- What year did the American Pie Council begin sponsoring National Pie Day?
- What is the most popular pie flavor in America?
- What hashtag is associated with National Pie Day?
(Answers: 1. Charlie Papazian; 2. 1986; 3. Apple; 4. #NationalPieDay)
FAQs
Q: Is National Pie Day related to Pi Day?
A: No, National Pie Day celebrates the dessert pie on January 23, while Pi Day (March 14) honors the mathematical constant π (pi).
Q: What are some traditional American pies?
A: Apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cherry pie, and key lime pie are among the favorites.
Q: Are there any official events for National Pie Day?
A: Yes! The American Pie Council often organizes baking contests and community celebrations.
Related
- Pi Day (March 14)
- Great American Pies Month (February)
- Thanksgiving (Pumpkin and Pecan Pies)
Celebrate this sweet occasion by enjoying a slice of your favorite pie or trying your hand at baking one—it’s a day that’s truly “easy as pie”!