National Nachos Day is a delicious celebration of the crunchy, cheesy snack that’s beloved worldwide. From the classic combination of tortilla chips, melted cheese, and jalapeños to fully loaded versions with all your favorite toppings, nachos are a versatile dish. This day is the perfect time to enjoy this Mexican-inspired treat.
➡️ Fans of Mexican cuisine might also enjoy National Taco Day, National Fajitas Day, National Quesadilla Day, National Tortilla Chip Day and National Chimichanga Day, making it a fiesta of flavors throughout the year. Also, if you hunger for more tasty national food days, we have you covered with plenty of delicious celebrations throughout the year.
Did you know that nachos were originally created by a maître d’ improvising a snack for hungry guests? Or that there’s a world record for the largest serving of nachos, which weighed nearly 5,000 pounds? There’s plenty to love and learn about this classic snack.
History of National Nachos Day
Nachos trace their origin to the border town of Piedras Negras, Mexico, just across from Eagle Pass, Texas. In 1943, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya was working as a maître d’ at the Victory Club when a group of hungry U.S. military wives arrived after the kitchen had closed. Wanting to offer something, he quickly improvised with what little was left in the kitchen—tortilla chips, shredded Wisconsin cheese, and sliced jalapeños. The dish was a hit, and the women asked what it was called. Anaya modestly named it after himself: “Nacho’s especiales”.
Word of this simple yet tasty snack spread fast, and soon nachos made their way into the hearts (and stomachs) of many, first regionally and then across the U.S. In the 1970s, when ballparks and stadiums began serving nachos as a concession stand staple, they became even more popular. National Nachos Day honors Ignacio Anaya’s creation and its journey from an improvised snack to a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide.
When is National Nachos Day celebrated?
National Nachos Day is celebrated each year on November 6, a perfect time to enjoy this hearty snack as fall sets in. While there isn’t a specific reason tied to this exact date, it’s a fitting way to celebrate a warm, comforting dish as colder weather approaches. For fans of Mexican food, November 6 marks a fun opportunity to indulge in nachos, just as Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya intended.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | November 6, Wednesday |
| 2025 | November 6, Thursday |
| 2026 | November 6, Friday |
| 2027 | November 6, Saturday |
| 2028 | November 6, Monday |
| 2029 | November 6, Tuesday |
| 2030 | November 6, Wednesday |
Fun Facts About Nachos
Nachos might seem like a simple snack, but there’s more to this tasty treat than meets the eye. From world records to surprising origins, these fun facts give you a new appreciation for the beloved nacho.
- The Largest Plate of Nachos: The largest serving of nachos weighed 2,209 kg (4,870lb 0.18oz) and was achieved by Paramount + and Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head in Los Angeles, California, on September 25, 2022. The event took place at Smorgasburg Los Angeles, with nachos distributed to attendees and donated to local food banks.
- Original Recipe: The first-ever nachos consisted of just three ingredients—tortilla chips, melted cheese, and jalapeños
- Ballpark Staple: Nachos made their big stadium debut in 1976 when Frank Liberto began selling them at Arlington Stadium during Texas Rangers games. Liberto’s version included a specially formulated cheese sauce that could be pumped directly onto the chips, making it easier to serve to large crowds. This move solidified nachos as a must-have concession stand snack, especially at sporting events.
- Nachos at the Movies: By the 1980s, nachos had become a popular alternative to popcorn at movie theaters. Their rise in popularity was fueled by the introduction of easy-to-serve cheese sauce and their appeal as a shareable snack. Today, nachos remain a favorite at theaters across the globe, offering a savory option for movie-goers.
How to Celebrate National Nachos Day
Celebrating National Nachos Day is simple and delicious—just gather your favorite ingredients and start crafting your ultimate plate of nachos. Whether you prefer the classic combination of tortilla chips, melted cheese, and jalapeños or want to get creative with toppings like guacamole, beans, or pulled pork, the choice is yours. For even more fun, consider hosting a nacho party where you set up a nacho bar with various toppings so everyone can make their own perfect creation.
You could also visit a Mexican restaurant to try out their unique takes on nachos, or enjoy a game at home with a tray of your favorite nachos in hand. Don’t forget to share your nacho masterpiece on social media using the hashtag #NationalNachosDay to join the celebration online!
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendars 2024-2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
