National Calzone Day is celebrated every year on November 1. Created in 2016 by Minsky’s Pizza, the day pays tribute to the folded pizza from Naples that has become a comforting classic around the world.
Compared to larger pizza celebrations like National Pizza Day, National Calzone Day remains a quieter celebration, but its fan base keeps growing. On Instagram, the hashtag #NationalCalzoneDay appears in just over 1,000 posts as of 2025, reflecting a small but passionate community of calzone enthusiasts.
When Is National Calzone Day Celebrated?
National Calzone Day takes place every year on November 1. Here are the upcoming dates through 2030:
| Year | Day of the Week | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday | November 1, 2026 |
| 2027 | Monday | November 1, 2027 |
| 2028 | Wednesday | November 1, 2028 |
| 2029 | Thursday | November 1, 2029 |
| 2030 | Friday | November 1, 2030 |
Origins and Meaning
The calzone began in 18th-century Naples, Italy, as a portable version of pizza made for people who wanted a meal they could easily eat while walking. The word calzone means “trouser leg” or “stocking,” a playful hint at its hand-held shape.
A traditional calzone starts with a round piece of pizza dough folded in half over its filling. Inside you’ll usually find a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, along with cured meats or vegetables. Baked until golden, it forms a crisp crust on the outside and a soft, melted center inside. Unlike pizza, the sauce is tucked inside or served on the side for dipping.
As Italian immigrants brought their cooking traditions to new places, the calzone found a new home in Italian-American restaurants across the United States. Over time, it inspired many local versions — from breakfast calzones to sweet dessert styles — showing how one simple idea can adapt to any taste.
Calzone vs. Stromboli
Although similar, calzones and strombolis are not the same:
- A calzone is folded into a half-moon and originated in Naples, Italy.
- A stromboli is rolled into a cylinder, created in the United States, and usually sliced before serving.
How to Celebrate National Calzone Day
There’s no wrong way to celebrate — just enjoy good food and company. Here are some simple ideas:
🍕 Order from your local pizzeria: Support a neighborhood restaurant and treat yourself to a warm calzone.
👩🍳 Bake one at home: Experiment with different fillings — try spinach and cheese, ham and mushrooms, or even a dessert version with fruit and chocolate.
🏪 Shop small: Visit a family-owned Italian eatery and show appreciation for traditional cooking.
📸 Share your meal: Post your creation or restaurant find online using #NationalCalzoneDay.
🌅 Plan a calzone night: Gather friends or family and let everyone fold and fill their own — a fun twist on pizza night.
