National Nachos Day

A family gathered around a plate of crispy, cheesy nachos, wearing fun and festive Mexican-inspired attire, enjoying a fiesta atmosphere at home.. — National nachos day illustration

Did you know there's a day dedicated specifically to everyone's favorite cheesy, crunchy treat? Yes, you read it right - National Nachos Day is a real thing, and it's pretty much the Super Bowl for snack enthusiasts. So grab your dips and dust off that sombrero, it's time to take a dive into nacho history, my friend.

When is Nachos Day?

It's national nachos day on the 6th November.

How National Nachos Day became a thing

The internet's love affair with nachos can be traced back to 2015, when we recorded a smorgasbord of 6018 mentions of National Nachos Day. The nacho wave reached its highest point on November 6th, 2015, a day that has since become something of a legend.

Created to celebrate the gooey deliciousness of nachos, a dish that crosses cultural boundaries, National Nachos Day is much more than just a tribute to tortilla chips and melted cheese. It's a day to honor creativity in the kitchen and bring people together through the universal language of comfort food.

Who invented nachos?

Contrary to popular belief, nachos didn't fly down from snack heaven. These bad boys were invented by a savvy maître d' named Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya. In 1943, he concocted the dish in a pinch to satisfy the hunger of some unexpected guests. Loaded with whatever he could find in the kitchen, the dish was a hit, and the rest is gastronomic history.

Celebrating National Nachos Day

In terms of celebration, there's no right or wrong way to do National Nachos Day, except not to do it at all. Whether you like yours piled high with toppings or prefer 'em simple and spicy, the spirit of the day lies in indulgence. And if you're not a nacho fan (which is hard to believe), join the fun by appreciating the bonding that food brings. Because, let's be real, nothing says 'party' like shared food.

History behind the term 'Nachos'

1943

The Birth of Nachos

The term 'nachos' originated in 1943 in a small border town in Piedras Negras, Mexico. Ignacio 'Nacho' Anaya, a maître d' at the Victory Club restaurant, created a delicious snack to please a group of US military wives. Anaya took some fried tortilla chips, melted cheese on top, and added sliced jalapeños. The dish was an immediate hit and was named 'Nachos Especiales' after Anaya's nickname, Nacho. Little did he know that this creation would go on to become an iconic Mexican and Tex-Mex food.

1976

The Introduction to USA

The term 'nachos' made its way to the United States in 1976, becoming an instant sensation. Frank Liberto, an entrepreneur from San Antonio, introduced nachos at Arlington Stadium during a Texas Rangers baseball game. To accommodate the large crowd, he needed a way to serve the snack more conveniently. Liberto developed a cheese sauce that could be pumped over the chips, creating the ultimate finger-food experience. This innovative variation of nachos became incredibly popular, not only in stadiums but also in movie theaters and various other venues across the country.

1980

The Nacho Revolution

In the 1980s, the nacho revolution took place, with various restaurants and food chains incorporating nachos into their menus. Taco Bell, for instance, introduced nachos as a regular item, and their popularity skyrocketed. This increased exposure and availability helped solidify nachos as a beloved American snack. The versatility of nachos also led to a wide range of flavors and toppings, including shredded meat, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, allowing people to personalize their nacho experience.

1994

The World's Largest Nachos

Nachos continued their global expansion, attracting attention as a super-sized snack. In 1994, during the TEX-MEX Festival in Piedras Negras, Mexico, a massive plate of nachos was created, officially setting the Guinness World Record for the largest serving of nachos. The dish weighed an impressive 3,281 pounds and involved a monumental effort by countless volunteers. This achievement further solidified the popularity and impact of nachos as a symbol of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine worldwide.

Present

Nachos in Popular Culture

In modern times, nachos have become an integral part of popular culture. They are a staple at sporting events, movie nights, and parties. The term 'nachos' is recognized globally, and countless variations and recipes exist, both traditional and innovative. Nachos have even inspired competitions, such as nacho-eating contests, and have become a creative canvas for culinary experimentation. Whether you prefer them as a simple snack or loaded with toppings, nachos continue to be a beloved and iconic food enjoyed by people of all ages across the world.

Did you know?

Did you know nachos were invented completely by accident? Ignacio 'Nacho' Anaya created this snack favourite when he had to whip up a meal for unexpected guests using whatever he could find in the kitchen.