National Couscous Day

National Couscous Day celebrates this versatile North African dish made from tiny granules of durum wheat semolina. This culinary celebration highlights couscous’s significance as both a nutritious food staple and a symbol of cultural heritage.

Quick Facts

When is it?: August 5th annually
Tagged as: Food Holiday
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalCouscousDay
When was it founded?: 2020
Who founded it?: The Branded Food Group (BFG) Limited

History

National Couscous Day was established to promote couscous as a healthy alternative to common staples like rice and pasta. The celebration honors the rich cultural heritage of this North African dish, which has been a dietary staple for centuries and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Timeline

200 BCE: Traditional couscous-making begins in North Africa
13th Century: First appearances in Moorish Spanish cookbooks
15th Century: Spread to Middle East through Jewish and Muslim migration
2020: National Couscous Day established

Dates by Next Year

Year	Date	Day
2025	Aug 5	Tuesday
2026	Aug 5	Wednesday
2027	Aug 5	Thursday
2028	Aug 5	Saturday
2029	Aug 5	Sunday

Observed

The day is celebrated worldwide through cooking demonstrations, cultural events, and shared meals featuring various couscous preparations.

Fun Facts About Couscous

Despite its grain-like appearance, couscous is actually tiny pasta
Traditional preparation was exclusively done by women
It’s cooked in a special pot called a couscoussier
Can be served hot or cold
Represents solidarity and celebration in North African culture

Quiz

Is couscous a grain?
Where did couscous originate?
What is a couscoussier?
(Answers: 1. No, it’s pasta 2. North Africa 3. A special two-part pot for cooking couscous)

FAQs

Is couscous gluten-free? No, it’s made from wheat
Can it be eaten cold? Yes, it’s great in salads
Is it healthy? Yes, it’s low in calories and high in protein

Importance of National Couscous Day

This celebration promotes cultural understanding, healthy eating habits, and culinary diversity while honoring a dish that has united communities for centuries.