National Chili Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Feb 17, 2022
Fact-checked by Naman Khanna
National Chili Day helps to learn about this Mexican cuisine.

Where is National Chili Day celebrated?

The event is widely celebrated in the USA, especially in Texas, Chicago, Missouri, and Louisiana.

Who celebrates National Chili Day?

 The day is celebrated by anyone who loves this dish or has been associated with cooking it for a long time, especially the iconic chili-serving restaurants.

When did National Chili Day start?

It is said that the National Chili Day originates from the chili cook-offs that used to take place in Texas during the '50s and '60s.

Who started National Chili Day?

It is not known who started National Chili Day.

History And Timeline

Nothing can beat the experience of learning about a dish you have eaten before. Chili has a fascinating history of being a multicultural food, inspired by people who came to live in the US. So, let's learn something more about the history of the spicy goodness of chili.

Kidney Beans Domesticated

Around 8,000 years ago, kidney beans other common beans were domesticated somewhere in Peru.

8,000 years ago

Cultivation Of Chili Peppers

Chili pepper was one of the first crops cultivated and widely used in Mexico.

6,000 years ago

Mention Of Chili

A book about the Mexican-American War from the year has the first instance of a dish called 'chile con carne.'

1857

Opening Of Chili Parlors

Chili parlors became a common phenomenon in Texas due to the increased availability of chili powder.

1904

Texas Officiates The Chili

May 11, 1977, marked the adoption of chili as the official dish of Texas.

1977

Traditions And Customs

There are no specific traditions and customs attached to this day. But, most people who celebrate it may participate in a chili cook-off or arrange events where different people present their chili recipes. It can also be something straightforward, like discovering new chili joints.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Chili Day

 Like any other food-based event, celebrating National Chili Day is pretty easy. You could do several things, like holding pot lucks of chili con carne by trying out either a new or basic chili recipe.

Facts And Stats

  • On this day, people like to cook chili from a traditional family recipe with lots of tomatoes, garlic, and dried chili peppers handed down from generations.
  • Many people also enjoy cooking the famous chili recipe from the episode 'Casual Friday' from the show 'The Office' on this occasion.
  • National Chili Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of February.

Who started National Chili Day?

There's no information about who started the National Chili Day.

What is the Significance of National Chili Day?

Such an event lets people know about the history of chili con carne, which is part of America's melting pot culture. It's also great to discover new chili recipes.

How do people celebrate National Chili Day?

People may celebrate the day by cooking their family's chili recipe or even participating in a chili cook-off.

In which countries do people celebrate National Chili Day?

This event is mainly celebrated by chili-loving people living in the USA.

What is the History & Origin of National Chili Day?

It's believed that this event progressed from chili cook-offs that took place in Texas during the '50s-'60s.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Wednesday, February 26, 2020
  • Wednesday, February 24, 2021
  • Wednesday, February 23, 2022
  • Wednesday, February 22, 2023
  • Wednesday, February 21, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Naman Khanna

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Naman Khanna picture

Naman KhannaBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

An English literature graduate from Delhi University, Naman's broad interests include mathematics, science, and social science. With his knowledge and expertise in multiple subjects, he is an asset to our fact-checking team. Naman is set to pursue his postgraduate degree in English literature soon.

Read full bio >