National Macaron Day is a delightful holiday dedicated to celebrating the beauty and mastery of the French macaron—a delicate, meringue-based confection filled with buttercream, ganache, or jam. This day encourages indulgence in these colorful treats while supporting local bakeries and charities.
Quick Facts
- When is it? March 20
- Tagged as: Food, Celebration, Charity
- What’s the hashtag? #NationalMacaronDay
- When was it founded? 2010 (USA)
- Who founded it? Chef François Payard
History of National Macaron Day
The origins of macarons date back to 8th-century Italy, brought to France in 1533 by Catherine de Medici. The modern macaron as we know it—two almond meringue cookies sandwiching a filling—was created in France in the 1930s. National Macaron Day was first celebrated in Paris in 2005 by Pierre Hermé to raise funds for charity. In 2010, Chef François Payard introduced the holiday to New York City, where it gained popularity across the U.S.
Timeline
- 8th Century: Macarons originate in Italian monasteries.
- 1533: Catherine de Medici introduces macarons to France.
- 1792: “Macaron Sisters” popularize macarons during the French Revolution.
- 1930s: Modern macaron sandwich cookies are created in France.
- 2005: Pierre Hermé launches Macaron Day in Paris.
- 2010: National Macaron Day debuts in New York City.
Dates by Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 20 | Saturday |
| 2028 | March 20 | Monday |
| 2029 | March 20 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | March 20 | Wednesday |
Observed
National Macaron Day is celebrated by visiting local bakeries, trying exclusive flavors, sharing macarons with friends, and posting on social media using #NationalMacaronDay. Many bakeries also donate a portion of their proceeds to charity.
Fun Facts About Macarons
- The word “macaron” comes from the Italian word maccarone, meaning paste.
- The largest macaron pyramid contained over 8,000 macarons.
- Ladurée and Pierre Hermé are iconic macaron makers in Paris.
- Savory macarons with flavors like truffle or foie gras exist!
Quiz
- Where did macarons originate?
- Who introduced macarons to France?
- What year was National Macaron Day first celebrated in the U.S.?
(Answers: Italy; Catherine de Medici; 2010)
FAQs
Q: Are macarons and macaroons the same?
A: No, macarons are almond-based sandwich cookies, while macaroons are dense coconut cookies.
Q: Why is National Macaron Day on March 20?
A: It coincides with the first day of spring and International Day of Happiness.
Q: Can I make savory macarons?
A: Yes! Chefs experiment with flavors like smoked salmon or truffle.
Importance of National Macaron Day
This day highlights the artistry behind macarons while promoting community engagement through charity. It also encourages people to support local businesses and explore new flavors.
Related
- International Day of Happiness (March 20)
- National Dessert Day (October 14)
- French Pastry Day (November 30)