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Okay, we did just experience one of the most important times of the year, which involves quality time with friends and loved ones around the dining table, so I suppose you don't need an excuse to celebrate food again this soon after indulging. But come on, who doesn't want to say they took part in Cheeseball Day? Or perhaps Catfish Day or Donut Day? In all fairness, you could go healthy and celebrate Banana Day or Spinach Day if you prefer. You think I'm kidding, don't you? Not a chance. Anything is possible in the age of Facebook and the Food Network and lobbying, where it's easy to convince people of a new trend.
In the United States, there are more than 175 days dedicated to some kind of food. Other countries have special food days too, but no one else beats the Americans in diversity. For example, not surprisingly Italy has National Espresso Day (April 17) and Germany has a National German Beer Day (April 23). It certainly makes sense to me that nations known for particular culinary or beverage specialties would want to keep their importance alive in the country's conscience. A bit less obvious is the connection for Sweden's Cinnamon Bun Day (October 4) and Iran's Pie Day and Cheeseburger Day (January 23 and October 27 respectively). But hey, food is a way to bring people together, so why not pie and burgers?
There are some global food-centric days, like Pancake (Shrove) Tuesday. We have traditional foods associated with other holidays too and often they make sense. Having turkey or ham at a Thanksgiving meal in fall seems logical. I do have to wonder at the logic of having something like Peach Cobbler Day in April though, before the peach trees have even blossomed. (I couldn't find out who initiated this holiday, but I'm thinking it was just a keen peach cobbler fan who was pining for a taste.)
In Canada, we only have one recognized national day to celebrate food, called (simply enough) Food Day (the Saturday of the August long weekend). It was started with a BBQ theme in support of Canadian beef farmers after the mad cow disease crisis in 2003. It is now meant to be a celebration of the diversity of all Canadian food, celebrated by chefs across Canada. There is a World Food Day (October 16) recognized in many nations that works to raise awareness about hunger around the world, with efforts to eradicate hunger and recognize sustainable farming practices.
Food is a passion for me, and so I appreciate events like Food Day to help spread the good word about good, clean, fair food. There is nothing wrong with having fun with your food though, and the occasional donut does not herald the end of the world. If the urge strikes you, here are the next celebrations coming up on the calendar:
- national grilled cheese sandwich day (US - April 12)
- national coffee day (Brazil - April 14 ... in case you can't wait until Espresso Day)
- national eggs benedict day (US - April 16 ... I would have thought this would fall on a weekend)
- national pigs-in-a-blanket day (US - April 24)
- national pineapple upside down cake day (US - April 20 ... my recipe is pretty good if you want to try it!)
It seems almost every common dish or food ingredient is listed but I'm sure there is room for more ... I wonder if I could get a proclamation to declare my birthday as Tuna Casserole Day?
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
