National Tortellini Day

Celebrated on 02/13/2026

Quick Fact

National Tortellini Day is celebrated annually on February 13th. Despite its Italian origins, the holiday was actually created in the United States by the National Pasta Association in 2015 to honor this beloved stuffed pasta. The name 'tortellini' is said to derive from 'torta,' meaning cake or pie, referencing its rich filling.

Origins and Establishment of National Tortellini Day

National Tortellini Day was established in 2015 by the National Pasta Association (NPA), a trade organization representing American pasta manufacturers. The NPA chose February 13th to celebrate tortellini as part of a broader effort to promote pasta consumption and highlight the diversity of pasta shapes. The date was selected to fall just before Valentine's Day, as the ring-shaped tortellini is often associated with love and romance, inspired by a legend that the pasta was modeled after the navel of Venus, the goddess of love.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, National Tortellini Day has grown in popularity through social media campaigns, restaurant specials, and home cooking trends. The NPA continues to promote the day with recipes and fun facts. Today, celebrations include cooking tortellini at home, trying new sauces (like creamy Alfredo or tomato-based marinara), and sharing photos online with the hashtag #NationalTortelliniDay. Many Italian restaurants offer discounts or feature tortellini dishes, and food bloggers create innovative twists, such as tortellini soup or baked tortellini casseroles.

Facts & General Observations

• Tortellini is one of the most popular stuffed pasta shapes in the world, with Americans consuming over 10 million pounds annually.
• Traditional tortellini fillings include prosciutto, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and nutmeg, but modern versions feature spinach, ricotta, or even pumpkin.
• The town of Castelfranco Emilia, Italy, is considered the birthplace of tortellini, and local legend says the pasta was inspired by the navel of a beautiful innkeeper.

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