National Pizza Day is an annual celebration dedicated to one of the world’s most beloved foods – pizza, a baked flatbread topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings that has become a global culinary phenomenon.
Quick Facts
- When is it: February 9th annually
- Tagged as: Food Holiday
- What’s the hashtag: #NationalPizzaDay
- When was it founded: Around 2000
- Who founded it: Origins unclear
History of National Pizza Day
Pizza originated in Naples, Italy, where it began as a simple flatbread. The iconic Margherita pizza was created in 1889 when Queen Margherita of Italy visited Naples and was served a pizza featuring the colors of the Italian flag – red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil.
Timeline
• 1738: Antica Pizzeria opens in Naples, Italy
• 1889: Margherita Pizza is created
• 1895: First US pizzeria opens in New York (Lombardi’s)
• 2000: National Pizza Day begins celebrations
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February | 9 |
| 2025 | February | 9 |
| 2026 | February | 9 |
| 2027 | February | 9 |
| 2028 | February | 9 |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by eating their favorite pizzas, hosting pizza parties, trying new recipes, visiting local pizzerias, and sharing their pizza experiences on social media.
Fun Facts About Pizza
• Americans consume 23 pounds of pizza per person annually
• 3 billion pizzas are sold in the USA each year
• 17% of all US restaurants are pizzerias
• 22% of Americans can eat an entire pizza by themselves
• The world’s most expensive pizza costs $12,000
Quiz
- What’s the most popular pizza topping in America?
- How many pizza slices does each American eat yearly?
- What percentage of food service sales is pizza?
(Answers: 1. Pepperoni, 2. 46 slices, 3. More than 10%)
FAQs
Q: Are all pizzas round?
A: No, pizzas can be rectangular or square
Q: Which is better, thin or thick crust?
A: It depends on personal preference and toppings
Importance of National Pizza Day
The day celebrates pizza’s cultural impact and brings people together through shared love of this versatile food. It also supports local pizzerias and encourages culinary creativity.
Related Days
• National Cheese Pizza Day (September 5)
• National Deep Dish Pizza Day (April 5)
• National Pizza Party Day (Third Friday in May)
• National Sausage Pizza Day (October 11)
• National Pizza with the Works except Anchovies Day (November 12)