National Calzone Day: A Celebration of Italy’s Folded Pizza
National Calzone Day is a food holiday dedicated to celebrating calzones, the delicious folded pizza originally from Naples, Italy. A calzone is essentially pizza dough stuffed with cheeses, meats, vegetables, and sauces, folded into a crescent shape, and baked until golden brown. This portable meal has become a global favorite for its convenience and mouthwatering flavors.
Quick Facts
- When is it? November 1st
- Tagged as: Food & Drink
- What’s the hashtag? #NationalCalzoneDay
- When was it founded? 2016
- Who founded it? Minsky’s Pizza
History of National Calzone Day
Calzones originated in Naples during the 1700s as street food designed for workers to eat on the go. The name “calzone” translates to “pants legs” in Italian, reflecting its practicality as a portable meal. Over time, calzones gained popularity worldwide and evolved with regional variations. National Calzone Day was established in 2016 by Minsky’s Pizza in Kansas City to commemorate their 40th anniversary and celebrate this Italian classic.
Timeline
- 1700s: Calzones are created in Naples as street food for workers.
- 1996: Calzones gain pop culture fame through an episode of Seinfeld.
- 2009–2015: Parks and Recreation features Ben Wyatt’s love for calzones.
- 2016: Minsky’s Pizza founds National Calzone Day.
National Calzone Day Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | November 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | November 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | November 1 | Thursday |
| 2030 | November 1 | Friday |
Observed: National Calzone Day
National Calzone Day is observed annually on November 1st with celebrations across homes and restaurants. People indulge in calzones filled with their favorite ingredients, from traditional ricotta and mozzarella to creative gourmet options. Restaurants often feature special deals or host events like calzone-making contests. Social media buzzes with posts tagged #NationalCalzoneDay, showcasing unique creations and recipes.
Fun Facts About National Calzone Day
- Calzones were originally eaten without utensils, making them ideal street food.
- Sicilian cudduruni pizza is distantly related to calzones.
- Dessert calzones exist, such as Cannoli Calzones filled with sweet ricotta.
- Sauce on the Side is a restaurant specializing in calzones in St. Louis, Missouri.
Quiz
- What does “calzone” mean in Italian?
- Answer: Pants legs
- When was National Calzone Day established?
- Answer: 2016
- Which TV show featured calzones in a storyline?
- Answer: Seinfeld
- What are two common cheeses used in calzones?
- Answer: Ricotta and mozzarella
- Which city founded National Calzone Day?
- Answer: Kansas City
FAQs
- What is a calzone? A folded pizza stuffed with various fillings like cheese, meats, and vegetables.
- Why is it called “calzone”? The name means “pants legs” in Italian, highlighting its portability.
- How do people celebrate National Calzone Day? By eating calzones, hosting parties, or sharing recipes online using #NationalCalzoneDay.
- Who created National Calzone Day? Minsky’s Pizza established it in 2016 for their anniversary celebration.
- Are there dessert versions of calzones? Yes! Cannoli Calzones are a popular sweet variation.
Importance of National Calzone Day
National Calzone Day connects people through food traditions, celebrating creativity and community spirit around this Italian dish. It highlights the cultural exchange that brought calzones from Italy to tables worldwide while encouraging culinary innovation with new flavors and techniques.
Finally, this day serves as a reminder of how simple dishes can evolve into celebrated icons of global cuisine, bringing joy to millions.