40 Facts About National Taco Day

The Origins of Tacos

Tacos have a rich history that dates back centuries. Let's explore how this beloved food came to be.

1. Origin of Tacos: Tacos originated in pre-Columbian times among the indigenous peoples of the Valley of Mexico. The word "taco" comes from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs and other indigenous groups.

2. Early Tacos: The earliest version of the taco is thought to date back to the 16th century, consisting of a thin, flat corn tortilla filled with small fish.

3. Spanish Influence: When the Spanish conquerors arrived in Mexico during the 1500s, they adopted native cuisine, creating various versions of tacos by introducing new ingredients like pork, chicken, and beef, along with different spices, herbs, and marinades.

Evolution and Global Popularity

Tacos have evolved significantly over the years, adapting to various cultures and tastes worldwide.

4. Evolution of Tacos: Over the centuries, tacos continued to evolve, with each region of Mexico developing its own unique styles and fillings. For example, Baja California is known for its fish tacos, featuring grilled or battered fish wrapped in a tortilla and topped with ingredients like cabbage, crema, and salsa.

5. Global Popularity: As Mexican cuisine gained global recognition, tacos became popular beyond Mexico's borders. In the United States, Mexican immigrants brought their culinary traditions with them, leading to the growing popularity of tacos in the southwestern states and eventually across the entire country.

6. Fast Food Chains: The rise of fast-food chains specializing in tacos, such as Taco Bell, further contributed to their widespread appeal in the US and around the world.

National Taco Day in the United States

National Taco Day is a special occasion in the US, celebrated with great enthusiasm and delicious deals.

7. Celebration in the US: National Taco Day is celebrated on October 4th in the United States. This day is marked by exclusive deals and discounts offered by many taco restaurants.

8. History of National Taco Day: The holiday was founded in San Antonio, Texas, by Roberto L. Gomez, a city council candidate and newspaper columnist. Gomez and the San Antonio Social Civic Organization started a tradition of sending Mexican dishes like tamales and tacos to the White House to remind US presidents of the influence of Mexicans in America.

9. National Taco Council: This led to the creation of the National Taco Council, promoting Mexican culture and restaurants in Texas. In 1967, the week before Cinco de Mayo was declared National Taco Week, and in 1968, it was set from April 28 to May 4, with National Taco Day on May 3.

10. Expansion to National Taco Month: By 1974, National Taco Week expanded to National Taco Month, promoted by companies like Kraft Foods and Pearl Brewing.

11. Revival in 1989: After Gomez's death in 1983, the holiday faded away until Taco Bell revived it in 1989, bringing back National Taco Month. The current National Taco Day date was introduced in 2004, and the day regained popularity in 2009 after a Del Taco campaign.

12. Del Taco Campaign: In 2009, Del Taco put out a press release declaring it was “Time to Celebrate National Taco Day!” This sealed the fate of National Taco Day's new date.

Taco Consumption and Variations

Tacos are incredibly versatile, making them a favorite for many. Let's look at some fun facts about taco consumption and variations.

13. Taco Bell’s Role: Taco Bell popularized tacos in America when it opened its chain in 1962. There are now nearly 6,000 Taco Bell stores and it has served over 2 billion tacos.

14. Taco Consumption: Americans eat over 4.5 billion tacos annually. That’s 490,000 miles of tacos, which could take you to the moon and back or, if you prefer, could equal the weight of two Empire State Buildings.

15. Taco Variations: Tacos come in a variety of fillings, from juicy beef and tender chicken to zesty fish and fresh vegetables. This versatility makes tacos a hit at any gathering or mealtime.

16. Customizable Experience: Tacos are not just a meal but a customizable experience. People can mix and match preferred toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, chopped tomato, onion, salsa, pico de gallo, and cheese.

Celebrating National Taco Day

National Taco Day is a time for fun and delicious food. Here are some ways people celebrate.

17. Authentic Mexican Restaurants: To truly celebrate National Taco Day, it is recommended to visit an authentic Mexican restaurant. These restaurants offer genuine tacos made with soft corn tortillas filled with meat options like "pollo" (chicken), "pastor" (pork), or "barbacoa" (beef).

18. Throwing a Taco Party: Many people celebrate National Taco Day by having taco parties with friends. The main activity and food would be the same thing: tacos. Making them and eating them is all part of the fun.

19. Unique Taco Combinations: There are many possible combinations when it comes to making tacos. Start with a base filling of beef, chicken, fish, seafood, beans, or vegetables, and then mix and match preferred toppings.

20. Restaurant Deals: Many chains participate in National Taco Day and offer amazing deals. For example, Taco John’s gives away one free beef taco (crispy or soft shell) to those who have a coupon, while Del Taco offers BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free) on various taco platters.

21. On the Border’s Offer: Sick of fast food? On the Border offers sit-down service but still sponsors 50-cent tacos for National Taco Day.

Cultural Significance and Global Celebrations

Tacos are more than just food; they are a cultural icon. Let's explore their significance and how they are celebrated worldwide.

22. Cultural Significance: Tacos are an essential part of Mexican cultural heritage and a delicious symbol of cross-cultural culinary exchange. Their centuries-long journey from humble beginnings to global popularity has made them a staple in many international cuisines.

23. French Tacos: In France, "Tacos Day" is celebrated on July 31. However, French tacos are very different from their Mexican counterpart. French tacos reportedly originated in the suburbs of Lyon.

24. Mexican Tacos: In Mexico, the "Día del Taco" is celebrated on March 31. This holiday was created in 2007 by Televisa.

25. Misnomer in the US: October 1st is celebrated under the misnomer "National Taco Day" in the US. This has led to some confusion as this does not reference any country or correspond to any country's National Taco Day. This holiday was created as part of a 2009 advertisement campaign by the taco chain Del Taco.

San Antonio’s Role in Taco History

San Antonio has played a significant role in the history of tacos in the United States.

26. San Antonio’s Role: San Antonio is the true cradle of Mexican food in the United States. It was here that Americans first discovered that Mexican food was delicious instead of poisonous. Residents gifted America with chile con carne, chile powder, tortilla chips, the combo plate, mass-market cookbooks, Mexican dinner home kits, and served as the national springboard for the nachos and breakfast tacos of South Texas.

27. Roberto L. Gomez: The former city council candidate and occasional columnist for the San Antonio Express-News, Roberto L. Gomez, Esq., is credited with creating National Taco Day. He and other restaurateurs convinced San Antonio to declare the days leading up to Cinco de Mayo as National Taco Week in 1967.

28. Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez: Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez recognized SASCO from the floor of Congress on April 30, 1968, declaring that National Taco Week lasted from April 28 through May 4. More importantly, National Taco Day would fall on May 3, Gonzalez's birthday.

29. Texas Governor Preston Smith: In 1969, Texas Governor Preston Smith declared the week before Cinco de Mayo as Taco Week. Restaurants around the country joined in, and chains from Taco Tico to Jack in the Box offered Taco Week discounts.

30. Kraft Foods and Pearl Brewing: By 1974, Texas had expanded the celebration into National Taco Month, sponsored by Kraft Foods and Pearl Brewing.

Modern Celebrations and Social Media

Today, National Taco Day is celebrated with gusto, both in real life and online.

31. Taco Cabana’s Celebration: In 2010, San Antonio-based chain Taco Cabana announced it would celebrate the holiday on October 4 as well. The following year, newspapers across the country reported on various restaurants offering deals on that date—and the apolitical National Taco Day has only grown since.

32. Taco Bell’s Impact: Taco Bell has been instrumental in popularizing tacos in America. With nearly 6,000 locations across the country, it has served over 2 billion tacos since its inception in 1962.

33. Del Taco’s Campaign: Del Taco’s campaign in 2009 helped revive National Taco Day. The chain’s press release declaring it was “Time to Celebrate National Taco Day!” sealed the fate of the holiday’s new date.

34. Social Media Engagement: To celebrate National Taco Day, people are encouraged to post their taco recipes on social media. Adding pictures with friends and family is also a great way to keep making memories.

35. Hashtag: The hashtag for National Taco Day is #NationalTacoDay. This helps people connect and share their love for tacos on social media platforms.

Other National Days and Global Taco Culture

Tacos are celebrated in various ways around the world, with different countries having their own special days.

36. Other National Days: Several other national days have sprung up to celebrate tacos and Mexican food. National Sandwich Day on November 3 is another popular food-related holiday.

37. Food Category: National Day Archives has a separate category just for food, highlighting various national days related to different cuisines.

38. French Taco Origin: French tacos reportedly originated in the suburbs of Lyon. They are very different from their Mexican counterpart and are celebrated on July 31 in France.

39. Mexican Taco Celebration: In Mexico, the "Día del Taco" is celebrated on March 31. This holiday was created in 2007 by Televisa and is an important cultural event in Mexico.

40. Global Taco Culture: Today, tacos are enjoyed by people of all backgrounds. From traditional street vendors in Mexico to upscale gourmet restaurants worldwide, tacos have become an essential part of global culinary culture.

Celebrating Tacos and Their Rich History

National Taco Day on October 4th is more than just a day to enjoy delicious tacos. It's a celebration of a rich culinary tradition that dates back centuries. From their origins in pre-Columbian Mexico to their evolution into a global favorite, tacos have a fascinating history. This day honors not only the food but also the cultural heritage and cross-cultural exchange that tacos represent.

Whether you're indulging in authentic Mexican tacos or trying unique variations, National Taco Day is the perfect occasion to appreciate the versatility and flavor of this beloved dish. With countless combinations of fillings and toppings, tacos offer a customizable experience that everyone can enjoy. So, gather your friends, visit your favorite taco spot, or throw a taco party at home. Celebrate the joy and history of tacos, and don't forget to share your taco creations on social media with #NationalTacoDay!