March 27

National Spanish Paella Day

A food observance on March 27 celebrating the traditional Spanish rice dish paella, originating from Valencia, with its communal preparation and variations including rabbit, chicken, seafood, and saffron-infused rice.

Yearly Date

March 27

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Spanish Paella Day on March 27th! Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that has been around since the mid-1800s. It's made with rice and vegetables, meats, and/or seafood cooked in one pot. It's a delicious meal that can be enjoyed any day of the year but especially on this national day dedicated to it. So get your paellera (pan used for cooking paella) out and let’s get cooking!

National Spanish Paella Day Timeline

1800s

Birth of Paella

In the mid-1800s in Valencia, Spain, paella is believed to have been born, originally a meal for farmers and laborers cooked over open fire.

1900s

Paella Spreads Across Spain

By the early 1900s, Paella started to gain popularity throughout Spain, with regional variations emerging based on the local ingredients available.

1960s

Paella Journeys Abroad

United States and other countries embrace Spanish cuisine, including Paella, during the 1960s due to increasing travel and migration.

1992

Olympic Paella

Caterer Serunion creates a gigantic paella serving 100,000 people at the Barcelona Olympics, showcasing the dish to a global audience.

2007

Record-Breaking Paella

Spanish town Valencia sets a Guinness World Record for the largest paella ever cooked, serving approximately 110,000 portions.

2019

National Spanish Paella Day

National Spanish Paella Day is established in the United States, celebrated annually on March 27th, promoting the appreciation of this iconic Spanish dish.

How to Celebrate National Spanish Paella Day

1 Make your own paella

Paella is a delicious and easy-to-make dish. Gather the ingredients, such as saffron, garlic, onions, tomatoes, paprika, peas, seafood, and chicken. Start by sautéing the vegetables and then adding the broth and other ingredients. Once cooked, enjoy with some crusty bread for a delicious meal.

2 Visit a Spanish restaurant

Take a trip to a local Spanish restaurant to celebrate Paella Day. Sample different types of paella from classic Valencian to seafood paella or vegetarian paella for a truly authentic experience.

3 Host a paella party

Gather your friends and family for a fun night around the dinner table celebrating National Spanish Paella Day! Have everyone bring their favorite ingredients and you can all take turns cooking the dish together.

4 Watch Spanish films

Get into the festive spirit by watching some classic Spanish films featuring paella. You could watch Pan’s Labyrinth or Vicky Christina Barcelona for an interesting cultural experience.

5 Learn about the history of paella

Take some time to learn more about the history of paella and how it has evolved over time. Read some books or watch documentaries to get an in depth look at this iconic Spanish dish.

Why We Love National Spanish Paella Day

Paella is a blend of flavors & cultures

Paella is a wonderful representation of Spanish cuisine and its influence from different cultures. It combines ingredients and techniques from the Romans, Moors, and native Valencians to create a unique dish that is truly representative of Spain's rich history and cultural diversity.

Cooking Paella can be a fun social activity

The preparation of paella is often a social event in itself. Its slow cooking process allows plenty of time for friends and family to gather around the pan, share stories, and enjoy each other's company while anticipating the delicious meal that's being prepared.

It's a one-pot wonder meal

Paella is a perfect one-pot meal, mixing rice, protein, vegetables, and seasoning all together. It is both satisfying and convenient to make and serve, making it a favorite among both novice and veteran cooks.