Date
Tuesday
Oct
21

October 21

International Day of the Nacho

Celebrate International Day of the Nacho with friends - get creative and make your own nachos with favorite ingredients, dips, and toppings!

Yearly Date
October 21
Type
Day

Introduction

Bring your appetite and get ready to celebrate International Day of the Nacho on October 21! This day was created in 2018 to honor the delicious snack that has been around for centuries. The first nachos were made in 1943 by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya at a Mexican restaurant located in Piedras Negras, Mexico. Since then, nachos have become an international sensation and are enjoyed by people all over the world.

History of International Day of the Nacho

The International Day of the Nacho is October 21 and its origins  centers around Ignacio Anaya, who worked at the Old Victory Club in Piedras Negras in 1943. The Old Victory Club was situated near an American military base. One day, a group of American military wives went on a shopping trip. When they were done, hungry, they approached several restaurants but all of the restaurants in town were already closed. With stomachs rumbling, the women approached the last open restaurant, the Old Victory Club. As the nachos legend continues, Ignacio Anaya worked either as a chef or a maitre d’ and because the restaurant rush was over, there wasn’t that much food left to offer the group. Feeling a bit sorry for them, Anaya offered to see what he could find and prepare himself. Eventually, he came out with a new Mexican hors d’oeuvre, a “nacho special.” Here’s some added trivia — Ignacio named the dish after himself because “Nacho” is short for Ignacio. According to “Time” magazine, Ignacio “sliced and fried some tortilla chips, covered them with shredded cheddar and sliced jalapenos and put the concoction in the oven for a couple of minutes.” The result was a new Tex-Mex classic dish that Americans and Mexicans have enjoyed ever since!

International Day of the Nacho Timeline

1943
Origin of the Nacho
Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya first created nachos in Piedras Negras, Mexico, beginning their journey as a beloved snack.
1977
Nachos at Sports Venues
Frank Liberto introduced a variation of nachos at a Texas Rangers baseball game where they quickly became a popular stadium food.
1990s
Nachos: A Global Snack
Nachos gained international popularity as they began appearing in bars, restaurants, and cinemas worldwide.
2009
Record-Breaking Nacho Dish
The largest dish of nachos ever made, weighing 2,126.89 kg, was created at the University of Kansas.
2018
International Day of the Nacho
The first official International Day of the Nacho was celebrated, solidifying nachos as an iconic snack worthy of its own holiday.

How to Celebrate International Day of the Nacho

1

Bake your own nacho chips

Making your own chips is a great way to enjoy the perfect crunch of freshness and flavor. All you need is a tortilla, some oil and seasoning, and a baking sheet. Cut the tortillas into triangles, brush with oil, sprinkle with your favorite seasonings, and bake in the oven for 10 minutes.

2

Organize a nacho party

Invite all your friends over for an evening of nachos! Lay out all the ingredients so everyone can make their own custom nacho plate. Have fun coming up with creative toppings like guacamole or diced jalapenos.

3

Visit a restaurant featuring nachos

Find some local restaurants that serve up delicious nachos. Whether you're looking for traditional Mexican style nachos or something more unique, there are plenty of options out there.

4

Have a nacho eating contest

Gather your friends and family together for a friendly competition. See who can eat the most nachos in one sitting! The winner gets bragging rights as the champion nacho eater.

5

Make a nacho cake

Surprise everyone with a unique twist on dessert by making a cake that looks and tastes like nachos! Layer chips, cheese, beans and all sorts of toppings to craft an amazing edible masterpiece.

Why We Love International Day of the Nacho

A

Nachos are a classic crowd-pleaser

Everyone loves nachos! Whether you're at a sports game, a party, or just hanging out at home, nachos are always a hit. This holiday gives us an excuse to indulge in this delicious and beloved snack.

B

It's a chance to get creative with toppings

On International Day of the Nacho, you can let your imagination run wild with different toppings and flavor combinations. From traditional toppings like cheese and jalapenos, to more unique options like pulled pork or avocado, the possibilities are endless!

C

Nachos are perfect for sharing

Nachos are a great dish to share with friends and family. They bring people together and make for a fun and social dining experience. So gather your loved ones and celebrate this holiday with a big plate of nachos!

International Day of the Nacho Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Oct 20
Friday
2024
Oct 20
Sunday
2025
Oct 20
Monday
2026
Oct 20
Tuesday
2027
Oct 20
Wednesday