National Pizza Pie Day

A group of diverse friends happily sharing a delicious pizza pie at a backyard picnic, enjoying each other's company and the mouthwatering flavors.. — National pizza pie day illustration

Are you ready for a slice of fun? Get your taste buds tingling and your cheesy dreams coming true because it's National Pizza Pie Day! This tantalizing holiday celebrates the world's love affair with the iconic dish that combines gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and a crispy crust. So, whether you like it piled high with toppings or you're a devoted cheese-only advocate, get ready to dig in and savor every delicious bite!

When is Pizza Pie Day?

It's national pizza pie day on the 9th February.

The Origins of National Pizza Pie Day

People have been devouring pizza for centuries, but did you know that National Pizza Pie Day has its roots in the internet era? Back in the early days of the web, a group of pizza enthusiasts came together to create a website called 'WhatNationalDayIsIt.com.' Their mission? To uncover the fascinating stories behind all the weird and wonderful national days.

It was on this very website that National Pizza Pie Day was born. As the site gained popularity, internet users from all corners of the world joined in the pizza party. They shared their favorite pizza recipes, debated the age-old pineapple-on-pizza controversy, and even created memes dedicated to their cheesy obsession.

The nation was hungry for more, and so, National Pizza Pie Day became an official holiday on the internet calendar. Now, every year on February 9th, pizza lovers unite to celebrate this day of flour, sauce, and melted perfection.

How to Celebrate National Pizza Pie Day

On this glorious day, there are endless ways to pay tribute to the mouthwatering wonder that is pizza. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Host a pizza party with your loved ones (and maybe even invite a few friends, too!). Order from your favorite local pizzeria or channel your inner chef and make your very own pizza creation.
Challenge your family members or friends to a pizza eating contest. Who can devour the most slices in 10 minutes? May the best pizza lover win!
Try your hand at making different pizza styles from around the world. From the classic Neapolitan margherita to the exotic Hawaiian, the world of pizza is a diverse and delicious place.
Get sporty with some pizza-themed games. Set up a DIY pizza dough tossing station or organize a friendly 'Cheesy Olympics' with events like the pizza topping relay and the fastest dough stretch.
Give back on this cheesy holiday. Contact your local homeless shelter or food bank and see if they would appreciate a donation of pizzas. Sharing the joy of pizza is a wonderful way to spread the love.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the world's largest pizza ever made weighed over 26,000 pounds? That's a lot of cheese and sauce! It took a team of 5 chefs more than 48 hours to create this mammoth masterpiece, which measured over 122 feet in diameter. Now that's what we call supersizing!

History behind the term 'Pizza Pie'

997 AD

Early Roots

The term 'pizza pie' has its origins in ancient times. The concept of flatbread topped with various ingredients can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In fact, the Romans would often eat a flatbread topped with olive oil and local spices, which is somewhat similar to the modern pizza. However, the term 'pizza pie' itself did not exist at this time.

16th Century

A New Flatbread Emerges

In Naples, Italy, a new type of flatbread emerged called 'pizza'. It was made with a mixture of water, flour, and yeast, and was often topped with tomatoes, cheese, and other ingredients. The term 'pizza' was derived from the Italian word 'pitta', meaning flatbread. However, 'pizza pie' was still not used to refer to this popular dish.

Late 19th Century

Italian Immigrants Bring Pizza to America

In the late 19th century, Italian immigrants started arriving in the United States, bringing their beloved pizza recipes with them. The first pizzeria in America was opened by Gennaro Lombardi in New York City in 1905. At this time, the term 'pizza pie' began to gain popularity among Italian-American communities. It was used to describe the round shape of the pizza, similar to a traditional pie.

Mid-20th Century

Pizza Pie Goes Mainstream

By the mid-20th century, pizza had become increasingly popular among Americans. This was partly due to the returning soldiers from World War II who had developed a taste for pizza while stationed in Italy. As pizza gained mainstream acceptance, the term 'pizza pie' became more widely known and used to describe this beloved dish across the country.

Present Day

Global Phenomenon

Today, pizza is a global phenomenon enjoyed by people of all backgrounds. The term 'pizza pie' has become deeply ingrained in the cultural lexicon, representing the fusion of Italian and American cuisines. It is interesting to note that in Italy, 'pizza pie' is not a widely used term and is more commonly referred to simply as 'pizza'. Nonetheless, 'pizza pie' remains a nostalgic and endearing term for many pizza lovers around the world.