National Tortilla Chip Day is celebrated each year on February 24. This day shines a spotlight on a snack that has become a staple in American households, party tables, and restaurant menus. From humble beginnings in the early 20th century to its worldwide popularity today, the tortilla chip deserves its day of recognition for its crunch and ability to pair with countless dips and toppings.
The History of Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips, as we know them, originated in the United States. In the 1940s, Rebecca Webb Carranza, who ran a tortilla factory in Los Angeles, began cutting leftover tortillas into triangles and frying them into crispy snacks. These chips were initially a clever solution to reduce waste, but their popularity quickly soared. They are now enjoyed in countless ways—from being dipped into salsa or guacamole to being smothered in cheese and toppings to create nachos.
Although tortilla chips have become synonymous with Mexican cuisine in the United States, they are distinctly American in origin. Today, they are a staple in everything from Tex-Mex dishes to creative culinary fusions.
When Is National Tortilla Chip Day Celebrated?
If you’re looking to celebrate this crunchy classic, National Tortilla Chip Day takes place annually on February 24. Below is a table with upcoming dates and days of the week for the next several years:
| Year | Date and Day |
|---|---|
| 2025 | February 24, Monday |
| 2026 | February 24, Tuesday |
| 2027 | February 24, Wednesday |
| 2028 | February 24, Thursday |
| 2029 | February 24, Saturday |
| 2030 | February 24, Sunday |
Fun Facts About Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips might seem simple, but their story and uses reveal much more than meets the eye. These crunchy triangles have surprising origins and fun details that make them worth celebrating:
- Tortilla chips were first mass-produced by Rebecca Webb Carranza, earning her a place in culinary history.
- Tortilla chips are the official state snack of Texas. Salsa holds the title of the official state dip, making them the perfect pair to represent the region’s culinary heritage.
- Tortilla chips are the foundation of nachos, a dish believed to have been invented in the 1940s in Mexico by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya.
- While typically made from corn, tortilla chips can also be crafted from flour tortillas, offering a different texture and flavor.
Ways to Celebrate National Tortilla Chip Day
Celebrating National Tortilla Chip Day is as easy as grabbing a bag of chips and your favorite dip, but there are plenty of other ways to make the day special:
- Make your own tortilla chips at home by frying or baking fresh tortillas. Experiment with seasonings like chili powder, lime, or garlic for a unique twist. Add a drizzle of queso or a dusting of parmesan for an extra flavor boost.
- Host a nacho night with friends or family, layering chips with cheese, meats, beans, and veggies for the ultimate snack. Include a nacho-making station so everyone can customize their own plate.
- Explore international dips to pair with tortilla chips, such as hummus, tzatziki, or bean dips from different cuisines. Try making a sweet dip like chocolate or caramel for a fun dessert pairing.
- Share your celebration online with photos of your tortilla chip creations, using the hashtag #NationalTortillaChipDay to connect with other chip lovers. Include tips or recipes to inspire others to join in the fun.
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.
