National Chili Day lights up the fourth Thursday of February each year, offering chili fans a chance to celebrate one of America’s top comfort foods. While many think of chili con carne—a classic mix of meat, spices, and sometimes beans—the term “chili” now covers a variety of styles and flavors. From vegetarian versions to regional twists like Cincinnati’s unique chili-over-spaghetti, this dish is loved by millions for its bold, hearty taste. Although no one knows exactly how National Chili Day started, chili itself became popular in the mid-1800s, especially in Texas, thanks to Mexican-American communities who introduced this flavorful stew.
Where Did Chili Really Come From: Mexico, Spain, or Texas?
Some people seem to claim that chili’s roots lie in Spain, but this isn’t entirely accurate. Chili actually draws from several influences, with its primary origins in North America and Mexico. The belief in a Spanish origin likely stems from a mix-up with the spices and meat stew traditions that Spanish settlers brought over. However, the chili we know today, especially the Tex-Mex variety, developed much later, mainly in Texas, through Mexican-American influences.
The chili we know uses native ingredients like chili peppers, which indigenous people in Mesoamerica (including present-day Mexico) cultivated for thousands of years before Spanish colonization. When Spanish settlers arrived, they brought spices and cooking techniques that, combined with native ingredients like peppers, created a foundation for dishes like chili. By the 1800s, Mexican-American communities in Texas were preparing a spicy, meat-based dish similar to modern chili, and “chili queens” in San Antonio were popularizing it in the region.
In short, chili blends Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican culinary elements, with its unique identity taking shape in Texas. So, while Spain influenced chili’s development, its heart lies in the Mexican-American culture that brought it to life in Texas.
When is National Chili Day Celebrated?
Mark your calendar for the fourth Thursday in February, as National Chili Day’s observance varies by year. Here’s a quick guide to when you can dive into a bowl of chili over the coming years:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | February 27, Thursday |
| 2026 | February 26, Thursday |
| 2027 | February 25, Thursday |
| 2028 | February 24, Thursday |
| 2029 | February 22, Thursday |
| 2030 | February 28, Thursday |
Fun Facts about Chili
Chili may seem simple, but there’s a world of history and tradition packed into each bowl. From regional twists to official state recognition, here are some fun and surprising details about chili that reveal its unique role in American food culture:
- Chili doesn’t necessarily include beans. Purists from Texas often argue that true chili, or “Texas Red,” doesn’t use beans at all.
- In 1977, chili was declared the official state dish of Texas.
- The modern-day chili cook-off phenomenon started with the World Championship Chili Cookoff in Terlingua, Texas, in 1967.
- Cincinnati has its own unique take on chili, serving it over spaghetti with a blend of spices like cinnamon and allspice.
Ways to Celebrate National Chili Day
From cooking your favorite recipe to trying a new twist, celebrating National Chili Day is all about bringing chili into your day. Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy the occasion:
- Make Your Favorite Chili: Cook up a pot of chili at home using your favorite recipe, or try a new one. You can keep it simple with classic ingredients or experiment with different beans, meats, or vegetables.
- Try Different Styles of Chili: Visit a local restaurant that serves different chili styles, like Texas chili (without beans) or Cincinnati chili (served over spaghetti). It’s a fun way to taste the variety!
- Turn Up the Heat: If you’re a fan of spice, add some extra chili peppers or hot sauce to your chili. You can even make a “spice challenge” with friends to see who can handle the heat.
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.
