Each year on November 6th, we honor National Nachos Day, a day dedicated to celebrating one of our favorite Mexican culinary delights - Nachos. On this day, we come together as a community of nacho enthusiasts to relish the cheesy, crisp, and fiery taste of nachos and revel in the blend of flavors.
Whether you adorn your nachos with jalapenos, tomato, sour cream, or guacamole, National Nachos Day is an ideal opportunity to savor this well-loved snack. So here’s to good eating, and let’s immerse ourselves in the scrumptious universe of nachos!
History of National Nachos Day
Rewinding to 1940, we can trace the origins of nachos to the Mexican city of Piedras Negras, located near the American military base Fort Duncan, Texas. Ignacio Anaya, a maître d’ at the Victory Club, is credited with creating the dish. According to the legend, a group of army wives arrived at the club after it had shut down for the day. To feed the hungry guests, Anaya quickly improvised a snack with ingredients at hand: tortilla triangles, slices of cheese, and pickled jalapenos, which he warmed until the cheese had melted.
The innovative dish was an immediate hit with the women, who carried the story of it back home. Interestingly, they christened the dish after its creator’s nickname ‘Nacho’. The dish was initially known as ‘Nacho’s Especial,’ but over time the name was shortened to ‘nachos.’
In its initial stages, nachos were a simple dish, made up of only tortilla chips, cheese, and jalapenos. However, over the years, numerous variations have emerged, featuring ingredients such as meat, veggies, beans, and spices, making nachos a beloved snack and party staple.
The celebration of National Nachos Day sees folks making, sharing, and enjoying nachos at home or in Nacho-themed parties. Additionally, many food establishments like bars, Tex-Mex joints, and even fast-food chains participate by offering exclusive deals and putting a spin on traditional Nacho recipes for the day.
National Nachos Day Timeline
Creation of Corn Tortilla
The inhabitants of the indigenous Mesoamerican civilization first created tortilla from corn, which is the basic ingredient for Nachos.
Invention of Nachos
Ignacio 'Nacho' Anaya, from Piedras Negras, a city in Mexico, is credited with creating the first version, called 'Nachos Especiales'.
First Appearance of Nachos Recipe
The first known appearance of the recipe of Nachos in English was in the 1949 book 'A Taste of Texas.'
Spread of Nachos in Texas
Nachos started to become popular throughout Texas and the southwest United States.
Introduction of Nachos in Sport Venues
A modified version of nachos, which consisted of cheese nachos with jalapeño pepper slices, was introduced in Arlington Stadium in Texas.
Nachos Day
National Nachos Day is celebrated globally on November 6th.
Ideas to Celebrate National Nachos Day
Nachos Recipe Taste Testing
Prepare a variety of nachos recipes from traditional to quirky ones and have a taste testing with your family and friends. Make it a fun competition and see who likes which one the most!
Nacho Movie Night
Host a movie night with friends or family and instead of popcorn, use different types of nachos to munch on. Make sure to have a variety of dips to choose from as well.
Nacho Cooking Challenge
Invite friends and family for a nacho cooking challenge. Everyone has to make their version of the best nachos and there will be a vote at the end to determine the winner.
Office Nachos Lunch
Celebrate National Nachos Day by treating your colleagues to a nacho lunch. Lay out a spread of nachos, cheese, and various toppings, and let everyone at work create their own plate of nachos.
Nacho Food Truck Tour
If your city has food trucks, organize a food truck tour that serves nachos. You can enjoy the variety of tastes and at the same time explore your city's food culture.
7 Interesting Facts About Nachos
Name Origin
Nachos got their name from Ignacio 'Nacho' Anaya. The term 'Nacho's especiales' was initially used, later shortened to just 'nachos'.
Nacho Flavored Corn Chips Creation
The popularity of nachos led to the creation of flavored corn chips, known as Doritos, by Fritos-Lay in the 1960s.
Nachos in the Theater
Nachos became a popular choice at movie theaters in the 1980s, becoming one of the first snack foods to transition into the cinematic snack market.
The World Record of Nachos
The largest serving of nachos ever created was made in 2022 in Los Angeles, California, USA. The dish weighed 2,209 kg (4,870lb 0.18oz).
Worldwide Popularity
Even though nachos have Mexican roots, today, they are enjoyed all around the world.
Variety of Toppings
Nachos are versatile with a variety of toppings including cheese, refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, diced onions, olives, jalapenos, and sometimes meats like chicken or beef.
Sports Event Staple
Nachos are a staple food at sports events, often served in a disposable, plastic tray with cheese sauce and jalapeños on the side.
National Nachos Day FAQs
Next National Nachos Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 6th | Monday |
| 2024 | November 6th | Wednesday |
| 2025 | November 6th | Thursday |
| 2026 | November 6th | Friday |
| 2027 | November 6th | Saturday |
| What is the pattern? | Every November 6th | |
National Nachos Day Word Search
- Nachos
- Tortilla
- Cheese
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Jalapenos