National Sangria Day, celebrated on December 20th, honors the fruity and refreshing Spanish punch known as sangria. This festive drink is made from red or white wine, mixed with chopped fruits, and sometimes enhanced with spirits like brandy.
Its origins date back to Spain and Portugal, where wine has been blended with fruits and spices for centuries. The word “sangria” comes from the Spanish word for “blood,” referencing its deep red color. Over time, this drink spread globally, becoming a favorite at social gatherings.
On this day, people are encouraged to enjoy and experiment with different variations of sangria, making it a great way to bring some holiday cheer.
➡️ Explore the complete list of national drinking days as well as 70+ wine-related national days.
The History Behind Sangria
Sangria traces its roots back to ancient times when wine was mixed with water and herbs to ensure safe drinking. It wasn’t until the 18th century that fruit was added to the mix, transforming it into the iconic sangria we know today. The drink made its international debut at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, where it became an instant hit with visitors, introducing Americans to the refreshing Spanish drink.
While traditionally made with red wine, oranges, lemons, and sugar, sangria has since evolved into a drink that allows for endless customization. Today, you can find white sangria, which swaps red wine for white, or more adventurous versions with sparkling wine, berries, and even tropical fruits.
When Is National Sangria Day Celebrated?
As December 20th approaches each year, National Sangria Day serves as a perfect moment to celebrate with a glass of this refreshing drink, right before the holiday season fully takes over. Here’s a guide to when National Sangria Day will take place through 2030, so you can mark your calendar for this festive tradition:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | December 20, Friday |
| 2025 | December 20, Saturday |
| 2026 | December 20, Sunday |
| 2027 | December 20, Monday |
| 2028 | December 20, Wednesday |
| 2029 | December 20, Thursday |
| 2030 | December 20, Friday |
How to Celebrate National Sangria Day
Celebrating National Sangria Day is as easy as pouring yourself a glass of this fruity beverage! You can stick to the classic recipe or experiment with modern variations to suit your taste. Try mixing red wine with orange slices and cinnamon for a warming, festive version. For those who prefer a lighter option, white sangria with apples and sparkling water offers a fresh twist.
Consider gathering a few friends for a sangria-tasting party, where everyone can bring their unique spin on the drink. Pair your sangria with tapas—small Spanish dishes like olives, cheese, and chorizo—to fully embrace the cultural roots of the day. And with other sweet celebrations, like National Chocolate Covered Anything Day on December 16th, just days earlier, it’s easy to pair sangria with all kinds of delicious December treats.
Fun Facts About Sangria
Sangria is more than just a fruity drink—it’s a blend of tradition, culture, and creativity. With centuries of history and countless variations, it has become a symbol of celebration in many countries. Here are some interesting facts to inspire your National Sangria Day festivities:
- Sangria is a protected term in Europe. In countries like Spain and Portugal, only beverages made in accordance with traditional recipes can be labeled “sangria.”
- A variation made with white wine, called white sangria, is perfect for those looking for a lighter, refreshing take on the classic drink.
- Sangria is incredibly versatile. While traditional recipes feature red wine and citrus fruits, modern versions can include anything from strawberries to peaches and even herbs like mint or basil.
- While we often associate sangria with summer, winter sangrias featuring spices like cinnamon and cloves have gained popularity during the colder months.
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.
