National Lasagna Day (July 29)

One weird holiday on July 29 is National Lasagna Day. Check out the other weird holidays in July!

National Lasagna Day, celebrated on July 29th each year, pays homage to one of the most iconic dishes in the culinary world: lasagna. Known for its rich flavors and hearty texture, lasagna is a favorite across various cultures and has a history as layered as its structure.

This article delves into the origins of lasagna, explores its journey across the globe, shares intriguing facts about the dish, and suggests unique ways to celebrate this delicious day. Scroll to the bottom for a list of delicious lasagna recipes you can try out.

When is National Lasagna Day?

National Lasagna Day takes place each year on July 29th.

Who Invented National Lasagna Day?

The specific origin of National Lasagna Day, including who exactly invented it, is not well-documented. Like many food-related commemorative days, National Lasagna Day likely emerged from food industry groups, marketing campaigns, or enthusiasts seeking to celebrate and promote this beloved dish.

These days are often created to encourage enjoyment of a particular food, boost sales, and engage communities through themed activities and promotions.

Without a clear single inventor or founding group, National Lasagna Day appears to be a grassroots celebration that has been embraced by lasagna lovers and popularized through social media and restaurant promotions over time.

The Ancient Roots and Evolution of Lasagna

Lasagna, or “lasagne,” is derived from the Greek word ‘laganon,’ the first known form of pasta. Laganon was not a traditional lasagna as we know it but was composed of layers of pasta and sauce. However, the version of lasagna that people are familiar with today started its evolution in Italy during the Middle Ages. This was when the method of layering sheets of pasta with cheese, sauce, and other ingredients began.

In the early stages, lasagna was a dish for the affluent, due to the inclusion of expensive spices and the labor-intensive process of making the pasta sheets. It wasn’t until the introduction of tomatoes from the New World in the 16th century that lasagna began to resemble the versions known today.

Tomatoes, however, were not widely accepted in Europe until much later, making traditional lasagna recipes vary significantly from region to region in Italy.

As Italians immigrated around the world, they brought their culinary traditions with them, making lasagna a global phenomenon. Each culture that embraced lasagna added its local flavors, making it a versatile dish that could be adapted to meet different dietary preferences and available ingredients.

Lasagna Around the World

As lasagna spread across the globe, various regions infused it with local flavors and ingredients. In America, lasagna became cheesier and often heavier, incorporating meats like ground beef and sausage, which differed from its traditional Italian counterpart that might include specific regional ingredients such as pesto from Genoa or the ragù from Bologna.

In other parts of the world, such as Argentina and Brazil, immigrants adapted lasagna to include more locally available ingredients like corn and white sauce. Meanwhile, in vegetarian versions popular in India, traditional ricotta is often replaced with paneer and spiced with turmeric and cumin for a local twist.

Fun Facts About Lasagna

Here are some fun facts about this beloved pasta dish:

Record-Breaking Dish: The world’s largest lasagna was made in Poland in 2012, weighing an impressive 5.29 tons, intended as a symbolic gesture of support for the national football team during the European championships.
Literary Appearances: Lasagna has been a favorite in popular culture, notably featured in comic strips like Garfield, where the titular cat’s love for the dish is a recurring theme.
Variations Galore: There are countless variations of lasagna, including dessert versions that use fruit and sweet ricotta fillings instead of traditional savory ingredients.

Celebrating National Lasagna Day

Celebrating National Lasagna Day can be as simple or as elaborate as one chooses. Here are some ideas to get into the spirit:

Lasagna Potluck: Host a lasagna potluck where guests bring different versions of lasagna. This could include meat, vegetarian, or even sweet lasagnas, allowing everyone to sample a variety of flavors.
Lasagna Cooking Challenge: Challenge friends or family members to create a lasagna using a set list of ingredients that wouldn’t typically be used in the dish. This can be a fun and creative way to enjoy the day.
Theme Party: Throw a lasagna-themed party, complete with Italian decorations, music, and other Italian dishes to complement the lasagna.
Educational Event: Organize or attend a workshop about the history of lasagna and how to craft the perfect lasagna layers, focusing on techniques and variations without going into specific recipes.
Support Local Businesses: Visit local Italian restaurants or eateries that are known for their lasagna. Many restaurants might have special offers or menus in honor of National Lasagna Day.

National Lasagna Day is more than just an opportunity to indulge in delicious, hearty layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese; it’s a chance to explore the rich history and cultural significance of a beloved dish that has made its way around the world. Whether you’re hosting a party, cooking up a unique take on lasagna, or simply enjoying a slice from your favorite local spot, July 29th is a day to celebrate lasagna in all its glorious forms.