National Empanada Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Empanada Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Empanada Day is observed on April 8th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Empanada Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you might want to know about National Empanada Day.

📅 What day is National Empanada Day 2024?

In 2024, National Empanada Day is on Saturday, April 8th. It is the 2nd Saturday in April; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the cool details and facts about April 8, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Even if you haven’t had empanadas before, you might have tried a similar and equally delicious dish. Empanadas, originating from Galicia, Spain, are now popular in more than 30 countries with different variations. The name comes from the Spanish and Portuguese word “empanar,” meaning “to bread,” although some historians jokingly suggest it actually means “Can I have another?” While this may not be historically accurate, we can still celebrate the sentiment on National Empanada Day, which falls on April 8th!

📜 National Empanada Day History

The origins of empanadas can be traced back to Portugal and Galicia in Spain. They first appeared during the Moorish conquests in Medieval Iberia. A 1520 cookbook featured a recipe for seafood-filled empanadas that combined elements from Catalan, Arabian, French, and Italian cuisines. Some people believe that samosas, a triangular-shaped pie commonly found in Arab and South Asian cultures, may have influenced the creation of empanadas and their cousin, the calzone. In Portugal and Spain, empanadas are typically made by cutting a large pie into smaller pieces, allowing for easy consumption on the go. The filling of Portuguese and Galician empanadas often includes ingredients such as sardines, tuna, various types of seafood, and occasionally pork, served in a tomato and garlic sauce.

✅ National Empanada Day Facts

🔖 Empanadas are the center of attention
In Argentina, when people gather or rejoice, they often enjoy empanadas either as a starter or as the main course.

🔖 Synonym for empanadas
In Belize, panades are the local name for empanadas.

🔖 It has many variants
The empanadas in Argentina have their own distinct characteristics based on the different regions they come from.

👍 Why Is National Empanada Day Important

They are packaged in an edible, flaky container, so no utensils are required. Whether you’re at a restaurant or a food truck, every morsel of goodness will reach its intended destination (hint: it’s your mouth). The best part is that they’re easy to share with your friends… but no one says you have to.

Most people are familiar with the meat and cheese type, but empanadas may be filled with almost anything. Sweet potatoes, peaches, or even guava paste might be used. In fact, in these circumstances, they resemble puff pastry more. Bolivians like to enjoy the best of both worlds. Salteas loaded with a sweet and spicy soup may be found there. If that’s not your cup of tea, we’ll take them off your hands (strictly for research purposes).

Remember that over 30 nations have their own variation of empanadas, so you’re sure to discover one that appeals to you. If you can’t live without peanuts, you should visit Colombia, where several dishes have peanuts and are topped with an aji sauce. Or are you torn between noodles and bread? In that case, Indonesia has you covered with its native version, which is loaded with potatoes, carrots, chicken, and glass noodles.

🙂 How To Observe National Empanada Day

⚡ Share Your Pics on Social Media
While it is true that sharing pictures of food on social media has become quite common, it wouldn’t hurt to make an exception on special occasions. By doing so, you can bring happiness to someone, whether your food creation is a masterpiece or simply amusing. It could also be interesting to see and compare the different results when you and your friends try making empanadas using recipes from various countries. Remember, the purpose is to have fun and there are no winners or losers, except for those who may have overlooked this delightful day.

⚡ Go out to eat!
It can be a good idea to trust professionals with certain tasks, especially if you live in a community with a lively Latin American or Caribbean presence. However, even if that’s not the case, there’s no need to fret – simply locate a place that offers fried pie (yes, it qualifies).

⚡ Make Your Own at Home
The most challenging aspect of this is choosing a recipe as there are countless amazing ones available. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t be adventurous and try different fillings. It is highly recommended to have a friend or two to help you because apart from aiding in the preparation and cleaning, their additional support will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. It’s important to leave the table feeling satisfied and balanced, rather than rolling away like a ball of empanada dough.

📅 When is National Empanada Day?

Discover all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Ethnic holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about National Empanada Day. So be sure to check back soon.