National Couscous Day is a celebration of one of the most beloved and versatile staples in North African cuisine. Held annually on August 5th, this holiday invites food enthusiasts to explore the rich history, cultural significance, and diverse culinary uses of couscous. From its origins in the kitchens of Morocco and Algeria to its global popularity today, couscous has become a cherished dish around the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to this delicious grain, National Couscous Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge in a variety of couscous dishes and discover new flavors and recipes.
As already mentioned, couscous has a long history in countries like Morocco and Algeria, where it has been a dietary staple for centuries. Traditionally made from steamed semolina wheat, couscous has a light, fluffy texture and a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients.
Couscous comes in different types, including Moroccan, which is the smallest and most commonly found, Israeli (pearl) couscous, which is larger and has a chewy texture, and Lebanese couscous, the largest of the three, known for its hearty and robust nature. Each type offers unique qualities, making couscous a versatile ingredient in both traditional and modern dishes.
When Is National Couscous Day Celebrated?
National Couscous Day is always celebrated on August 5th. It’s a day to appreciate and enjoy this small, granular pasta from North Africa. Here are the dates and weekdays for National Couscous Day up to the year 2030:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Monday, August 5 |
| 2025 | Tuesday, August 5 |
| 2026 | Wednesday, August 5 |
| 2027 | Thursday, August 5 |
| 2028 | Saturday, August 5 |
| 2029 | Sunday, August 5 |
| 2030 | Monday, August 5 |
Fun Couscous Facts
What better way to celebrate couscous than with a few fun facts? Here are seven interesting couscous facts that are perfect for sharing on social media:
- Couscous is considered one of the oldest processed foods known to humanity, with its origins tracing back to the Berbers of North Africa over a thousand years ago.
- Traditionally, couscous is made by rolling semolina wheat with water to form small granules, which are then steamed until light and fluffy.
- Couscous is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory salads and hearty stews to sweet desserts like couscous pudding.
- It is also a great source of plant-based protein, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans.
- In Morocco, couscous is often served on Fridays as part of a communal family meal, highlighting its cultural importance in bringing people together.
- Interestingly, Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, was developed in the 1950s as a rice substitute during a period of food scarcity in Israel.
- Couscous has gained global popularity and is now enjoyed in many different cuisines around the world, showcasing its adaptability and universal appeal.
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.
