International Bacon Day is an unofficial holiday dedicated to celebrating one of the world’s most beloved cured meats. This sizzling celebration brings together bacon enthusiasts worldwide to indulge in and appreciate this versatile food item.
Quick Facts
When is it: First Saturday before Labor Day
Tagged as: Food & Drink Holiday
What’s the hashtag: #BaconDay
When was it founded: 2004
Who founded it: Three graduate students at University of Colorado Boulder – Seth Rittenhouse, Evan Salim, and Alexa Halford
History of International Bacon Day
The tradition began when a group of graduate students at the University of Colorado Boulder decided to dedicate an entire day to celebrating their favorite food. What started as a local celebration quickly evolved into a global phenomenon, with bacon enthusiasts worldwide embracing the holiday. The founders chose the Saturday before Labor Day, allowing people to enjoy bacon-themed festivities over a long weekend.
Timeline
- 1500 BC: Ancient Chinese create the first form of bacon by salting pork bellies
- 1539: Hernando de Soto brings 13 pigs to America
- 1770: First bacon factory opens in Wiltshire, England
- 1924: Oscar Mayer patents pre-sliced bacon
- 2004: International Bacon Day is established
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 6 | Saturday |
| 2026 | September 5 | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 4 | Saturday |
| 2028 | September 2 | Saturday |
| 2029 | September 1 | Saturday |
| 2030 | September 7 | Saturday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by cooking bacon-themed meals throughout the day, hosting bacon-themed parties, and trying unique bacon-inspired recipes. Some organize bacon tastings, while others create innovative bacon-infused cocktails and desserts.
Fun Facts About Bacon
- The average American consumes 18 pounds of bacon per year
- During WWII, bacon grease was used to make explosives
- The word “bacon” comes from Germanic root “-bak” meaning “back”
- The first bacon factory opened in 1770 in Wiltshire, England
- Bacon was one of the first foods eaten on the moon
Quiz
- When was bacon first created?
- Who patented pre-sliced bacon?
- How many pigs did Hernando de Soto bring to America?
- What year was International Bacon Day founded?
-(Answers: 1500 BC, Oscar Mayer, 13 pigs, 2004)*
FAQs
- Is bacon only made from pork?
No, it can also be made from turkey, beef, and other meats. - Why is it celebrated before Labor Day?
The founders chose this date to allow for long weekend celebrations. - Is it celebrated worldwide?
Yes, though some countries celebrate on different dates.
Related
- National Bacon Day (December 30)
- National BLT Month (April)
- Bacon Lovers Day (August 20)
- International Bacon Hour (January 30)