National Empanada Day

National Empanada Day on April 8 celebrates this delicious, stuffed pastry enjoyed across Spain, Latin America, and beyond. The name “empanada” comes from the Spanish word empanar, meaning “to bread” or “wrap in dough.” These turnovers can be baked or fried and filled with a variety of ingredients, from seasoned meats and cheese to vegetables or sweet fillings. Their origins trace back to Spain, with early mentions in medieval texts, and they have since evolved into countless regional variations.

🌎 Each country puts its own spin on the empanada. In Argentina, they are often filled with spiced beef, while the Philippines has sweet and savory versions, sometimes with a touch of coconut or egg. Whether enjoyed as a street food snack or a homemade dish, empanadas remain a staple of many culinary traditions.

On this day, people celebrate by making their own empanadas, trying different regional styles, or visiting a local eatery to enjoy this beloved hand-held dish.

🍽️ Don’t miss our National Food Calendar for even more food-related national days and months to celebrate all year long! 🎉🍔🍓

When Is National Empanada Day Celebrated?

National Empanada Day is celebrated on April 8 each year. Mark your calendar to indulge in these delightful pastries on their special day! Here’s when it will occur in the coming years:

Fun Facts About Empanadas

Empanadas are more than a flavorful dish; they carry a rich history and cultural importance. Explore these interesting facts to learn more:

• Empanadas are enjoyed in many countries, each with its own unique twist on the classic dish. Popular variations include Argentina’s beef-filled empanadas and Jamaica’s spicy patties.

• Originally a way to use leftovers, empanadas were a practical solution for reducing food waste. Over time, they have evolved into culinary masterpieces filled with meats, vegetables, or sweet ingredients like fruit or chocolate.

• Many countries, like Spain and the Philippines, hold empanada festivals filled with delicious food and cultural traditions. These events celebrate the pastry’s importance in local cuisine and its enduring popularity.

• Empanadas are often served at gatherings, where their versatility makes them a crowd-pleaser. They have become a symbol of community and hospitality, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

• With their handheld size and enclosed filling, empanadas were historically a convenient meal for workers and travelers. Their portability made them an ideal option for long days away from home.

Ways to Celebrate National Empanada Day

This day is the perfect opportunity to enjoy empanadas in all their forms or try making them yourself. Here are some ways to celebrate:

• Cook Homemade Empanadas: Experiment with traditional recipes or create your own by mixing different fillings like cheese, chicken, or veggies.

• Explore Global Recipes: Try empanadas from different cultures, such as Argentina’s empanadas de carne or Spain’s galician-style empanadas.

• Visit a Local Restaurant: Support small businesses by purchasing empanadas from a local bakery or restaurant.

• Share Your Love for Empanadas: Post photos of your empanada creations or favorite recipes on social media using hashtags like #NationalEmpanadaDay.

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.