National Burrito Day is celebrated on the first Thursday of April each year. This day encourages people to enjoy the burrito, a beloved dish consisting of a flour tortilla wrapped around flavorful fillings like beans, rice, meat, and vegetables. Burritos are enjoyed in countless variations, from traditional Mexican recipes to creative fusions. Celebrations often include visiting local Mexican restaurants or making customized burritos at home.
Burritos have gained worldwide popularity due to their convenience, making them a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. From authentic versions in northern Mexico to the large, ingredient-packed Mission-style burritos of San Francisco, burritos offer something for everyone. National Burrito Day celebrates this culinary icon, inviting everyone to appreciate its history and versatility.
🇲🇽 Similar holidays include National Taco Day , National Quesadilla Day, National Fajita Day, National Nachos Day, National Chimichanga Day, all offering more chances to celebrate the flavors of Mexican cuisine.
A Brief History of Burritos
The burrito has its origins in northern Mexico, particularly in Ciudad Juárez. Historically, the word burrito (meaning “little donkey” in Spanish) was a regional term for rolled tortillas with simple fillings, which were often called tacos in other parts of Mexico. Over time, burritos evolved into a unique dish in Tex-Mex cuisine, featuring larger flour tortillas filled with diverse ingredients like meat, beans, and cheese.
Some folk stories credit the invention of the modern burrito to a vendor named Juan Méndez, who wrapped his food in tortillas during the Mexican Revolution to keep it warm while transporting it on a donkey. Burritos later gained prominence in the United States, appearing on restaurant menus in the 1930s and evolving into popular regional varieties, such as the Mission-style burrito and California burrito. Today, burritos are a celebrated global food, blending tradition and innovation in every bite.
When Is National Burrito Day Celebrated?
National Burrito Day falls on the first Thursday in April, making it a great excuse to indulge in your favorite burrito. Here’s when it will be celebrated in the coming years:
| Year | Date & Day of the Week |
|---|---|
| 2025 | April 3, Thursday |
| 2026 | April 2, Thursday |
| 2027 | April 1, Thursday |
| 2028 | April 6, Thursday |
| 2029 | April 5, Thursday |
| 2030 | April 4, Thursday |
Fun Facts About Burritos
Burritos are more than just a tasty meal—they have a fascinating history and fun quirks! From their humble beginnings as practical, portable food in northern Mexico to their evolution into oversized, customizable creations in the U.S., burritos have a story as flavorful as their fillings. They’ve inspired culinary innovations, set world records, and found their place in cuisines around the globe.
- Ancient Inspiration: Burritos are thought to have originated in northern Mexico. They were likely inspired by traditional wraps like tacos and enchiladas, which also used tortillas to hold flavorful fillings.
- Name Origin: The word “burrito” translates to “little donkey” in Spanish. This name might reference their ability to carry a variety of fillings, much like a pack mule.
- Breakfast Burritos: The modern breakfast burrito became popular in the U.S. during the 1970s. It quickly established itself as a go-to morning meal, combining convenience with endless possibilities for customization.
- Biggest Burrito: The largest burrito ever made weighed over 12,000 pounds. It stretched more than a mile long, showcasing just how much people love this iconic dish!
- Global Influence: Burritos have found a place in cuisines worldwide, far beyond their Mexican origins. From Tex-Mex creations to fusion variations filled with sushi or curry, their adaptability has made them a global favorite.
Ways to Celebrate National Burrito Day
National Burrito Day is the perfect opportunity to enjoy this iconic dish in creative and tasty ways. Here are some fun ways to celebrate:
- Make Your Own Burrito. Experiment with different fillings like grilled chicken, seasoned beans, fresh guacamole, or tangy salsa. Wrap it up in a tortilla and enjoy!
- Visit a Local Spot. Support a nearby Mexican restaurant or food truck by ordering your favorite burrito. Many places offer special deals on this day!
- Try a Unique Twist. Get adventurous and try a new take on the burrito, like a sushi burrito, dessert burrito, or a vegetarian version.
- Share the Love. Post a photo of your burrito creation on social media using hashtags like #NationalBurritoDay or #BurritoLove to spread the celebration.
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 Calendar 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.
