National Fajita Day is a flavorful holiday celebrated every year on August 18. It honors the Tex-Mex culinary masterpiece known as fajitas—a delicious combination of grilled meat, peppers, onions, and tortillas that has become a global favorite. From its humble beginnings as a ranch worker’s meal to its modern-day popularity, fajitas are a testament to creativity and taste.
Quick Facts
- When is it? August 18
- Tagged as: Food, Tex-Mex Cuisine, Celebration
- What’s the hashtag? #NationalFajitaDay
- When was it founded? 2016
- Who founded it? On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina
History of National Fajita Day
The origins of fajitas date back to the 1930s when Mexican ranch workers in Texas used throwaway cuts of beef like skirt steak. By marinating and grilling the meat, they created a flavorful dish served with tortillas. This simple meal quickly gained popularity and evolved into a Tex-Mex staple. In 1969, Sonny Falcon sold the first recorded fajitas at a festival in Texas, earning him the title “The Fajita King.” The dish gained further fame when restaurants like Ninfa’s and Hyatt Regency added sizzling fajitas to their menus in the 1970s and 1980s. National Fajita Day was officially established in 2016 by On the Border to celebrate this iconic dish.
Timeline
- 1930s: Mexican ranch workers create fajitas using marinated beef.
- 1969: Sonny Falcon sets up the first fajita stand in Kyle, Texas.
- 1973: Ninfa’s restaurant popularizes “tacos al carbon,” a version of fajitas.
- 1982: Chef George Weidmann introduces sizzling fajitas at Hyatt Regency.
- 2016: On the Border establishes National Fajita Day.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 18 | Monday |
| 2026 | August 18 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | August 18 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | August 18 | Friday |
| 2029 | August 18 | Saturday |
| 2030 | August 18 | Sunday |
Observed
National Fajita Day is celebrated by cooking or enjoying fajitas at home or in restaurants. Many Mexican eateries offer special deals on this day, making it perfect for indulging in sizzling flavors.
Fun Facts About Fajitas
- The word fajita means “little band” or “little belt.”
- Fajitas were originally made from skirt steak, a tough but flavorful cut of beef.
- Sonny Falcon is known as “The Fajita King” for popularizing the dish in Texas.
Quiz
- What does the word fajita mean?
- Who founded National Fajita Day?
- In which decade were fajitas first created?
(Answers:)
- Little band or little belt
- On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina
- The 1930s
FAQs
Which restaurants offer specials for National Fajita Day?
Many Mexican restaurants, including On the Border and Chili’s, provide deals on this day.
Can I make fajitas at home?
Absolutely! All you need are tortillas, meat (or plant-based alternatives), peppers, onions, and your favorite toppings.
Is National Fajita Day popular on social media?
Yes! Use #NationalFajitaDay to join the celebration online.
Importance of National Fajita Day
This day celebrates Tex-Mex culture, culinary innovation, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. It also highlights how simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals.
Related
- National Taco Day
- Cinco de Mayo
- International Hot Sauce Day