National Pasty Week: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Pasty Week (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Pasty Week is observed on March 27th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Pasty Week, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you should know about National Pasty Week.

📅 What day is National Pasty Week 2024?

In 2024, National Pasty Week is on Monday, March 27th. It is the 4th Monday in March; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the exciting details and facts about March 27, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year in late February, the city of Cornwall celebrates National Pasty Week, a seven-day event dedicated to honoring their beloved dish, the pasty. Originally a salty British recipe from Cornwall, the pasty has evolved to include both sweet and savory variations. This year, the celebration will take place from February 27 to March 5. The Cornish pasty is incredibly popular, with over 120 million being made annually.

📜 National Pasty Week History

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the pasty gained popularity and became a favorite among the privileged class during the Victorian era. However, by the 19th century, the meal became favored by ordinary families, especially in Cornwall, due to its affordability. Meat was often skipped in the pasty because it was too expensive for the average person. Instead, a pastry case filled with vegetables provided a cheap way to feel satisfied.

Cornwall’s immense popularity with the pasty can be attributed to its history as a mining town. The miners would carry the pasty with them as a quick and inexpensive supper. This all-in-one meal kept the food warm and fresh for longer, eliminating the need for miners to climb back up the mine shafts to eat lunch. This was significant because miners were paid based on the ground they covered, so the less time spent eating, the more time they had to work and potentially earn more money.

The pasty became the traditional diet for miners, known as ‘crib’ or ‘croust’ in Cornish, and this influenced the shape of the dish. Food historians believe that the crisp crust was designed so that miners could hold the pasty with their dirty hands without getting the food inside dirty. They could then discard the leftover crust. According to popular legend, mischievous goblins would eat these discarded crusts as offerings and behave well as a result.

As mining declined in Cornwall in the mid-1800s, many families moved to other areas where their labor was needed. Miners and their pasties traveled to countries like Australia, South Africa, and the United States, and the tradition of the pasty was adopted and adapted by these immigrant communities.

Today, pasties are made all over the world, with each region having its own variation. Examples include the Indian “samosa,” the Chinese “shaobing,” the Spanish “empanada,” and the Eastern European “pirog.”

✅ National Pasty Week Facts

🔖 “Oggie oggie oggie”
The well-known rugby chant, “oggie, oggie, oggie,” has its roots in the Cornish mining community. Miners would shout this phrase from the mine shafts, using “oggie” as a nickname for pasties. Their intention was to request a pasty to be thrown down to them. In response, the miners would then hear the chant “oi, oi, oi” from their fellow miners above, indicating that their request would be fulfilled.

🔖 No pasties on this ship
The fishermen refused to have this particular meal on their ships as they believed it would bring them bad fortune.

🔖 It is lucrative for the Cornish economy
In actuality, the Cornish pasty’s sales to numerous individuals throughout Britain on a daily basis make up approximately 6% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

👍 Why Is National Pasty Week Important

Not simply because this food can be found on almost every street in Cornwall, the pasty is also a source of pride for civilizations all over the world, and it has many variations.

As if the pie’s decades of fascinating history weren’t enough, it gradually captivated the hearts (and bellies) of miners all over the world, becoming a hugely popular meal even today.

You can fill them with almost anything, and they will keep you warm for hours. Pasties also have a long(ish) shelf life, can be eaten without any kitchen tools, and are readily transportable.

🙂 How To Observe National Pasty Week

⚡ Host a pasty competition
Put your baking talents on display in a fun pastry-making contest, where you can showcase both sweet and savory creations. This event promotes creativity by encouraging participants to explore various fillings and craft their own remarkable dishes.

⚡ Make a traditional Cornish pasty
Impress your friends and family by baking a classic Cornish pasty using basic ingredients such as meat, potato, swede, onion, salt, and pepper. Look up an authentic recipe online and amaze everyone with your baking skills.

⚡ Introduce pasties to people around you
Instead of consuming them on your own, consider sharing them with loved ones. Discover your preferred versions and experiment with making them at home.

📅 When is National Pasty Week?

See all 🔗 March holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Baking holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about National Pasty Week. So be sure to check back soon.