National Free Donut Day

Cheerful person enjoying a free donut picnic outdoors, wearing a colorful summer outfit, surrounded by friends and nature.. — National free donut day illustration

Did you know that there's a day dedicated to the gloriousness of free donuts? Yes, my friend, it's National Free Donut Day! Prepare your taste buds for a sweet celebration like no other.

When is Free Donut Day?

It's national free donut day on the 5th June.

The Origins of National Free Donut Day

Let's dive into the internet history of this delectable day. National Free Donut Day was first observed... well, let me check... ah, yes, it was first observed on June 5, 2015! That's right, doughnut lovers rejoiced on this delightful day, when 1073 mentions flooded the online world.

The concept of a day dedicated to free donuts seems too good to be true, right? But it's real! It's a time to honor and indulge in these delectable treats without having to reach for your wallet. Whether you prefer glazed, powdered, jelly-filled, or something more adventurous like bacon maple, National Free Donut Day has something for every donut lover.

While the origins of this day remain a mystery, one thing is for sure - it has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of donut aficionados around the world.

Celebrating National Free Donut Day

Now that we've established the awesomeness of National Free Donut Day, let's talk about how you can join in on the festivities. Firstly, keep an eye out for local bakeries, donut shops, and chains that participate in this glorious day. Many establishments offer free donuts or special deals to honor this occasion.

Gather your loved ones, friends, or colleagues, and embark on a donut adventure. Make it a goal to try different flavors and textures - expand your donut horizons! And hey, don't worry about the calories on this day. It's a national holiday, which means calories don't count (please consult your doctor before adopting this mentality on any other day).

Did You Know?

Here's a fun fact to impress your donut-loving friends with: Did you know that the largest donut ever made weighed over 1.7 tons? That's right, a truly massive donut that could feed an entire neighborhood!

History behind the term 'Free Donut'

1847

Invention of the donut

The history of the 'free donut' begins with the invention of the donut itself. The origin of the donut is traced back to 1847, when a woman named Elizabeth Gregory made 'oily cakes' for her son's crew on a lime-trading ship. These 'oily cakes' were round pastry balls with a hole in the center, which allowed for more even cooking. This innovation eventually led to the modern donut we know today.

1917

Donut Day during World War I

During World War I, the term 'free donut' gained cultural significance. The Salvation Army, working to support soldiers on the front lines, introduced the concept of 'Donut Day' to boost morale. Women volunteers, known as 'Donut Lassies', would prepare and serve donuts to soldiers as a taste of home. These donuts were provided free of charge, symbolizing a small moment of joy in the midst of war.

1938

National Donut Day established

In 1938, the National Donut Day we know today was officially established. The Salvation Army declared the first Friday of June as National Donut Day to honor the 'Donut Lassies' and the soldiers they served during World War I. This special day not only celebrated the delicious treat but also recognized the significant role donuts played in boosting morale during the war.

1950s

Rise of donut chains

During the 1950s, donut chains began to emerge, making donuts more accessible to the general public. Chains like Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme popularized the idea of buying donuts to enjoy on a daily basis. While not free, these chains introduced a convenient and affordable way for people to satisfy their donut cravings.

2013

Entertainment promotions and free donuts

In recent years, the term 'free donut' gained popularity through various entertainment promotions. Donut chains and other businesses started offering free donuts as a promotional tactic to attract customers. For example, on National Donut Day, many establishments offer free donuts to patrons. This has further contributed to the cultural impact of the term, turning it into a highly anticipated occasion for donut lovers across the country.