National Lamington Day is a celebration held annually on July 21st in honor of the lamington, a beloved Australian dessert. This day commemorates the rich history and cultural significance of the lamington, a sponge cake covered in chocolate and rolled in desiccated coconut.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: July 21
- Tagged as: National Lamington Day, Aussie Lamington, Australian culinary icon
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalLamingtonDay
- When was it founded?: 2006
- Who founded it?: The Australian Lamington Appreciation Society (ALAS)
History of National Lamington Day
The lamington, named after Lord Lamington, the Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901, is believed to have originated from an accidental creation. According to legend, a maidservant dropped a piece of sponge cake into melted chocolate, and Lord Lamington suggested coating it with coconut to make it less messy to eat. This mishap turned into a beloved dessert, which gained popularity and was eventually honored with its own national day.
Timeline of National Lamington Day
- 1896: The first mention of the “Lamington cake” in a Queensland newspaper.
- 1900: The earliest known recipe for lamington cakes appears in Queensland Country Life.
- 1901: The recipe spreads to Sydney and New Zealand.
- 2006: National Lamington Day is officially established in Australia.
- 2014: An April Fools’ Day hoax claims the lamington originated in New Zealand.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 21 | Monday |
| 2026 | July 21 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | July 21 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | July 21 | Friday |
| 2029 | July 21 | Saturday |
Observed
National Lamington Day is observed in both Australia and New Zealand, with people baking or buying lamingtons, enjoying them as treats or with tea, and often holding lamington drives to raise funds for charity.
Fun Facts About Lamingtons
- Lamington drives are common fundraising events, especially in schools and charities.
- Variants include cakes with jam or cream fillings, and flavors like strawberry or raspberry.
- The lamington has inspired several international variations, like the “Coconut Fingers” in St Helena Island and “Ystervarkies” in South Africa.
Quiz
- What is the typical coating of a lamington?
- Answer: Chocolate sauce and desiccated coconut.
- Who or what is the lamington named after?
- Answer: Lord Lamington, the Governor of Queensland.
- What day of the week will National Lamington Day fall on in 2027?
- Answer: Wednesday.
FAQs
Are lamingtons from Australia or New Zealand?
Lamingtons are from Queensland, Australia, though New Zealand also claims a connection due to the spread of the recipe there.
Are lamingtons always made with vanilla cake?
While traditional recipes use vanilla sponge cake, there are variations with strawberry or other flavors.
Are lamingtons the national cake of Australia?
Yes, lamingtons are often referred to as Australia’s national cake.
Importance of National Lamington Day
This day celebrates an integral part of Australian culture, fostering a sense of national pride and culinary heritage. It also promotes community engagement through lamington drives for charity, highlighting the dessert’s role in both social and cultural events.
Related
- Australia Day: Another occasion where lamingtons are traditionally eaten.
- Lamington Crawl: A fun activity where people visit various dessert spots to try different versions of lamingtons.
- Australian Lamington Appreciation Society (ALAS): An organization committed to preserving the tradition and celebrating National Lamington Day.