NATIONAL TACO DAY | First Tuesday in October
NATIONAL TACO DAY
NATIONAL DAY CALENDAR HAS OFFICIALLY MOVED NATIONAL TACO DAY TO A TUESDAY!
National Taco Day has officially moved to the first Tuesday in October! Starting on October 1, 2024, this delicious food holiday will now fall on a Tuesday—Taco Tuesday to be exact. This epic announcement is part of a latest milestone in Taco Bell’s ongoing Taco Tuesday journey to move National Taco Day to a Tuesday starting this year!
“For years, we’ve celebrated National Taco Day on October 4th, but it’s always felt like there was a bigger opportunity to align it with something even more special—Taco Tuesday,” said Marlo Anderson, founder of National Day Calendar. “Thanks to Taco Bell's efforts, we’re excited to officially move National Taco Day to the first Tuesday in October, creating the Taco Tuesday of all Taco Tuesdays. National Day Calendar has always thrived on the grassroots support of people who love celebrating these moments, and this change is a perfect example of that. It’s more than just moving a date—it’s about bringing taco lovers together in a bigger way, and we couldn’t be more excited!”
The odds of moving a National Day is a rarity. In fact, it only happened one other time for Checkers and Rally’s on National French Fry Day. In an effort to set things right, Taco Bell worked tirelessly with the powers at be, in this case National Day Calendar, to move National Taco Day to a Tuesday.
CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION OF NATIONAL TACO DAY T-SHIRTS!
#TacoTuesday and NationalTacoDay
The history of tacos predates the arrival of Europeans in Mexico. Anthropological evidence shows the native people living in the lake region of the Valley of Mexico traditionally ate tacos filled with small fish. At the time of the Spanish conquistadors, Bernal Diaz del Castillo, documented the first taco feast enjoyed by Europeans. Hernan Cortes arranged this meal for his captains in Coyocan. It is unclear why the Spanish used the word taco to describe this native food. One suggested origin is the word ataco, meaning stuff or to stuff.
Whether you prefer soft or hard-shelled tortillas, most agree tacos satisfy a snack craving. However, they also make delicious meals. Considering that many are filled with seasoned, lean meats and vegetables, tacos go beyond delicious. Fish tacos and shrimp tacos with grilled seafood add a whole other flavor profile. Ask for grilled chicken and hold the cheese.
CELEBRATE NATIONAL TACO DAY
To celebrate the momentous move of National Taco Day to its rightful home – Taco Tuesday – Taco Bell is planning a frenzy of Tuesday Drop celebrations kicking off on October 1 and continuing all month long. Fans are encouraged to mark the new date on their calendars, sign up for Taco Bell Rewards* and follow along on social channels to stay up to date on more celebration details being announced closer to the holiday.
CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION OF NATIONAL TACO DAY T-SHIRTS!
It's time to have some tacos! Go out for tacos or make them at home. There are many traditional varieties of tacos. Try a style of taco you've never had before. You may be surprised by how many options there. While you're celebrating be sure to share recipes and give a shout out to your favorite Mexican restaurants, food trucks, and taco stands.
Share your love for all things tacos on social media using the hashtag #NationalTacoDay. We want to see your tacos!
NATIONAL TACO DAY HISTORY
National Taco Day began much earlier than the modernized and marketed celebration we know today. According to Gustavo Arellano, author of the 2012 book “Tacos USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America”, its origin can be dated back to the 1960’s in San Antonio, Texas from Roberto L. Gomez, Esq. Taco Day was locally celebrated on May 3, celebrating the week leading up to Cinco de Mayo. While it was honored in some local areas, it sadly faded away and it wasn't until 2009 when several businesses rallied behind a new day to mark the occasion, October 4.
With the rise of internet culture, the popularity caught on and by 2013, National Taco Day cemented itself on the National Day Calendar to be celebrated on October 4. Enter Taco Bell...
About Taco Bell Corp.
For more than 61 years, Taco Bell has brought innovative, craveable Mexican-inspired food to the masses, and was recently recognized as one of TIME’s Most Influential Companies, one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies and Nation’s Restaurant News’ Brand Icon. For more information about Taco Bell, visit our website at www.TacoBell.com, our Newsroom at www.TacoBell.com/news, or check out www.TacoBell.com/popular-links. You can also stay up to date on all things Taco Bell by following us on LinkedIn, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
