National Nachos Day is celebrated every year on November 6, honoring one of America’s most beloved comfort foods. Nachos hold a special place in U.S. culture—they’re the go-to snack for game days, movie nights, and casual gatherings. Simple yet endlessly customizable, nachos bring people together through layers of crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and flavorful toppings like beans, salsa, jalapeños, guacamole, or seasoned meat.
On social media, the celebration is lively: #NationalNachosDay has over 13.1K posts on Instagram and 17K on Facebook, while the broader #Nachos tag boasts 4.2 million posts on Instagram and 4.7 million on Facebook, showing how deeply this Tex-Mex favorite has captured global attention.
When Is National Nachos Day Celebrated?
takes place each year on November 6, just as fall settles in. Although the date itself has no historical link to the dish, it’s a fitting moment to enjoy a warm, comforting snack that brings flavor and cheer to cooler days.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | November 6, Thursday |
| 2026 | November 6, Friday |
| 2027 | November 6, Saturday |
| 2028 | November 6, Monday |
| 2029 | November 6, Tuesday |
| 2030 | November 6, Wednesday |
The Origin of Nachos
The story of nachos began in 1943 in Piedras Negras, Mexico, just across the U.S. border. Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, a maître d’ at the Victory Club restaurant, invented the dish when a group of American soldiers’ wives stopped by after the kitchen had closed. Using what he had on hand, he cut tortillas into triangles, added shredded cheddar and sliced jalapeños, and warmed them until the cheese melted. His quick invention, named Nacho’s Especiales, soon gained fame on both sides of the border and became known simply as nachos.
Fun Facts About Nachos
Nachos may look like a simple snack, but their story is full of creativity, innovation, and record-breaking moments. These facts reveal just how much this Tex-Mex favorite has evolved over the years.
- The Largest Plate of Nachos: The world’s biggest serving of nachos weighed 2,209 kg (4,870 lb) and was created by Paramount+ and Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head in Los Angeles, California, on September 25, 2022. The massive dish was unveiled at Smorgasburg Los Angeles, with portions shared among attendees and donated to local food banks.
- Original Recipe: The very first nachos included only three ingredients—tortilla chips, melted cheese, and sliced jalapeños. This simple trio remains the foundation of every version enjoyed today.
- Ballpark Staple: Nachos made their big-league debut in 1976, when Frank Liberto introduced them at Arlington Stadium during Texas Rangers games. His innovation, a pumpable cheese sauce that stayed warm and smooth, allowed vendors to serve nachos quickly to crowds. The idea caught on fast, turning nachos into an essential stadium snack.
- Nachos at the Movies: By the 1980s, nachos had joined popcorn as a top theater treat. Thanks to easy-serve cheese sauce and their shareable nature, they became a hit with moviegoers seeking something tasty. Today, nachos continue to be a favorite concession item in cinemas worldwide.
How to Celebrate National Nachos Day
Celebrating National Nachos Day is easy, affordable, and fun for everyone.
- Start by making your own nachos at home—layer tortilla chips with melted cheese and add your favorite toppings such as jalapeños, beans, salsa, guacamole, or shredded meat.
- Turn it into a cozy evening by setting up a small nacho bar so friends or family can build their own plates. If cooking isn’t your thing, stop by a Mexican restaurant or your favorite local spot to sample their special nacho creations—many places offer deals just for the day.
- You can also enjoy nachos while watching a game or movie at home for a relaxed celebration.
- And if you want to join the online fun, share a photo of your dish using #NationalNachosDay to see how others are celebrating across the country.
Related Observances
If Mexican-inspired flavors make you happy, there are plenty of other food holidays to enjoy throughout the year.
Celebrate your love of Tex-Mex classics on National Taco Day, National Fajitas Day, National Quesadilla Day, and National Tortilla Chip Day. Don’t miss National Burrito Day and National Chimichanga Day either—they add even more reasons to turn any day into a flavorful fiesta.
And if you’re always looking for new dishes to try, explore more national food days that celebrate everything from savory snacks to sweet desserts all year long.
