National Day
National Quesadilla Day
Celebrated on 09/25/2026
Quick Fact
The first National Quesadilla Day was celebrated in 2018, thanks to a campaign by a popular restaurant chain. Quesadillas date back to 16th-century Mexico, where they were originally made with corn tortillas and filled with squash and pumpkin. Today, Americans consume over 2 billion quesadillas annually.
Origins and Establishment of National Quesadilla Day
National Quesadilla Day was established in 2018 by the restaurant chain Chili's Grill & Bar as part of a marketing campaign to celebrate the beloved Mexican dish. The company launched a petition on Change.org to make the day official, and it quickly gained traction among food enthusiasts. The date September 25 was chosen to coincide with the start of fall, a season when comfort foods like quesadillas become particularly popular.
Evolution and Modern Commemoration
Since its inception, National Quesadilla Day has grown beyond Chili's promotion to a nationwide celebration. Restaurants and home cooks alike embrace the day by offering special deals, hosting cooking competitions, and sharing creative recipes on social media. The holiday has also inspired variations such as dessert quesadillas and gluten-free options, reflecting the dish's versatility. Today, it serves as a fun excuse to enjoy a classic Mexican-American fusion food.
Facts & General Observations
- Quesadillas were first mentioned in a 16th-century cookbook by Spanish conquistadors, who observed Aztecs making them with corn tortillas and squash.
- The word "quesadilla" comes from the Spanish "queso" (cheese) and "tortilla," though early versions didn't always include cheese.
- The largest quesadilla ever made weighed over 2,500 pounds and was created in Mexico City in 2015.