National Shrimp Day
National Shrimp Day celebrates America’s favorite seafood – the versatile and delicious shrimp. This culinary holiday honors these small crustaceans that have become a beloved part of global cuisine.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: May 10th annually
- Tagged as: Food Holiday, Seafood Celebration
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalShrimpDay
- When was it founded?: Early 20th century
- Who founded it?: Origins unclear, evolved from America’s growing love for shrimp
History of National Shrimp Day
Shrimp has been a cherished seafood since ancient times, with Greeks and Romans being early enthusiasts. In America, shrimping began in the 1700s when French explorers discovered it in Louisiana marshes. Mobile, Alabama established itself as a premier shrimping location by the mid-1700s, while Mississippi’s seafood industry flourished in the late 1800s.
Timeline
- 1280: Marco Polo documents shrimp in Far East markets
- 14th century: Invention of shrimp scampi in Genoa, Italy
- 1740: “The Shrimp Girl” painting by William Hogarth
- Early 1900s: Modern shrimp industry develops in America
- 1996: Opening of first Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 10 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 10 | Sunday |
| 2027 | May 10 | Monday |
| 2028 | May 10 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | May 10 | Thursday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by enjoying shrimp dishes, hosting seafood feasts, trying new recipes, or taking shrimp fishing tours. Restaurants often offer special promotions and themed menus.
Fun Facts About Shrimp
- Americans consume about 4 pounds of shrimp per person annually
- There are over 2,000 species of shrimp worldwide
- Japan is the highest per-capita consumer of shrimp
- Some species can glow in the dark
- The Mantis shrimp can strike with the force of a bullet
Quiz
- How many pounds of shrimp does the US consume annually?
- Which country consumes the most shrimp per capita?
- In what year did Bubba Gump Shrimp Company open?
-(Answers: 1.4 billion pounds, Japan, 1996)*
FAQs
Q: What are common shrimp varieties?
A: Rock, Pink, Tiger, and White Shrimp
Q: How should shrimp be cooked?
A: Can be baked, boiled, broiled, sautéed, fried, or grilled
Importance of National Shrimp Day
This celebration highlights shrimp’s nutritional benefits, including high protein content, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12, while promoting sustainable seafood practices.
Related
- National French Fried Shrimp Day
- Shrimp Scampi Day
- National Seafood Month
- National Fish Taco Day
