National Cotton Candy Day celebrates the beloved sugary treat that melts in your mouth and brings back memories of carnivals and fairs. This fluffy confection, made entirely of spun sugar, has become a symbol of whimsical sweetness and childhood joy.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: December 7th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink, Snacks & Desserts
- What’s the hashtag?: #CottonCandyDay #SweetTreats #CottonCandyLove
- When was it founded?: Late 19th century (machine-spun version)
- Who founded it?: William Morrison (dentist) and John C. Wharton (confectioner)
History
The origins of cotton candy trace back to 15th-century Italy, where spun sugar was a luxury item. However, the modern version we know today was invented in 1897 when Morrison and Wharton created the first machine-spun cotton candy, initially called “fairy floss.”
Timeline
- 1897: First machine-spun cotton candy invented
- 1904: Debuted at World’s Fair as “fairy floss”
- 1921: Named “cotton candy” by Josef Lascaux
- 1970s: Automatic cotton candy machines invented
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dec 7 | Saturday |
| 2025 | Dec 7 | Sunday |
| 2026 | Dec 7 | Monday |
| 2027 | Dec 7 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | Dec 7 | Thursday |
Observed
The holiday is celebrated worldwide, with different names across cultures – “candy floss” in England, “fairy floss” in Australia, and “papa’s beard” (barbe à papa) in France.
Fun Facts About Cotton Candy
- A single thread is thinner than human hair
- It’s 100% sugar
- The longest cotton candy stretched over 1,400 meters
- Originally invented by a dentist
- First sold for 25 cents at the 1904 World’s Fair
Quiz
- Who invented machine-spun cotton candy?
- What was cotton candy’s original name?
- In what year was it first introduced at the World’s Fair?
-(Answers: 1. Morrison and Wharton, 2. Fairy Floss, 3. 1904)
FAQs
Q: Is cotton candy just sugar?
A: Yes, it’s primarily made of pure sugar.
Q: Why is it called cotton candy?
A: Josef Lascaux coined the name in 1921 due to its cotton-like appearance.
Importance of Cotton Candy Day
This celebration honors a unique confection that revolutionized carnival treats and continues to bring joy to people of all ages while preserving its historical significance in fair and carnival culture.
Related
- National Candy Day
- World Fair Trade Day
- National Sugar Cookie Day
- Carnival Season
- State Fair Season