National Pizza Day, celebrated on February 9th each year, is a day dedicated to honoring the crowned comfort food and universal favorite – pizza. From thin crust to deep dish, topped with classic margherita or an adventurous mix of ingredients, this universally adored dish transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
Regardless of your favorite pizza toppings or style, National Pizza Day is an opportunity to gather with family and friends to enjoy a slice (or two) and pay homage to this delicious culinary creation.
History of National Pizza Day
National Pizza Day was established to honor the humble but universally loved pizza. Traditional pizza, as we know it, finds its roots in early Mediterranean cultures, which enjoyed simple flatbreads with a variety of toppings. Early renditions of pizza likely take the form of the focaccia, or “panis focacius,” known to the Romans and topped with a range of ingredients.
Naples, Italy, in the 18th century, played a crucial role in the evolution of the pizza into the variant most familiar to us today. Pizza was originally a street food for the less affluent. It wasn’t until the 19th century that pizza gained broader attention in Europe and North America.
The global popularity of pizza came in the aftermath of World War II, with returning soldiers having acquired a liking for it in Italy. The dish rapidly became a favourite comfort food worldwide.
National Pizza Day promotes indulging in your favorite type of pizza, be it homemade, a pizzeria specialty, or delivery. Numerous pizza places offer special deals to mark the occasion, and the hashtag #NationalPizzaDay trends on social networks, with pizza aficionados sharing snapshots and recipes.
National Pizza Day Timeline
Origin of Pizza
The first known kind of pizza was made by the ancient Persians, who used to make bread in the shape of a round flat circle and covered it with toppings like cheese and dates.
First Use of The Word 'Pizza'
The first documented use of the word 'Pizza' was in Gaeta, Italy.
First Pizzeria
The first pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, opened in Naples, Italy.
Pizza Margherita
Pizza maker Raffaele Esposito from Naples is often credited with creating the first pizza like the one we know today.
Pizza in the United States
Gennaro Lombardi opened the first U.S. pizzeria in New York City. Lombardi's, as it was simply known, started selling pizza for five cents a pie.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut was founded in Wichita, Kansas, by brothers Dan and Frank Carney.
Domino's
Dominos Pizza, an American multinational pizza chain, opened its first international store in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Pizza Became Unesco Heritage
Neapolitan pizza making was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
National Pizza Day
This day is set aside to enjoy one of America’s favorite meals – the pizza.
Ideas to Celebrate National Pizza Day
Pizza Making Party
Gather your loved ones for a unique celebration of National Pizza Day. Each person can contribute by bringing their preferred pizza toppings, allowing everyone to design their own pizzas to their tastes.
Pizza Tour
Venture on a flavorful journey through your city by visiting several pizza outlets and sampling their signature pizzas. Share your gastronomic adventure on your social media platforms.
Pizza Movie Night
Turn your movie night into a pizza-themed extravaganza. Watch classics like 'Mystic Pizza' or 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' and munch on your preferred pizza types.
Pizza Cooking Class
Sign up for a culinary course that specifically teaches pizza making. Delve into making traditional as well as culturally diverse pizzas.
Pizza Tasting Event
Arrange a party featuring a variety of pizzas for tasting. Use this opportunity to experiment with novel flavors and topping combinations.
7 Interesting Facts About Pizza
The Origin of Pizza
The birthplace of pizza is Naples, Italy. During the 18th century, it was considered food for the impoverished and was mostly sold as a street food.
World's Largest Pizza
In 2023, the world record for the largest pizza was set by Airrack in Los Angeles, California. The pizza had an impressive total surface area of 1,296.72 m² (13,957.77 ft²).
Pepperoni is Favorite
Various surveys have revealed pepperoni as the most preferred pizza topping in the United States. Around 36% of all pizza orders include this topping.
First Pizzeria in America
America's first pizzeria, Lombardi’s, opened its doors in New York City. It started as a grocery store in 1897 before shifting to selling pizzas by 1905.
A Logical Mathematical Theorem
What's known as the 'Pizza Theorem' is indeed a mathematical theorem. It suggests that no matter how you slice a pizza, the resulting areas will remain equal.
Most Pizzas Made in an Hour
The Guinness World Record for the highest number of pizzas made in an hour, 206, was achieved by Brian Edler (USA) at the Domino's Pizza store on North Main St, Findlay, Ohio in 2010.
Note the Difference: Neapolitan and New York-style pizza
Distinct rules govern Neapolitan-style pizza - it should be round, max 14 inches across, thin at the center with a slightly puffy crust. But a New York-style pizza is much larger, wider, and has characteristically thin slices, ideal for folding.
National Pizza Day FAQs
Next National Pizza Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 9th | Thursday |
| 2024 | February 9th | Friday |
| 2025 | February 9th | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 9th | Monday |
| 2027 | February 9th | Tuesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every February 9th | |
National Pizza Day Word Search
- Pizza
- Cheese
- Pepperoni
- Margherita
- Dough
- Toppings