National Pie Day

Celebrated on 12/01/2026

Quick Fact

National Pie Day is celebrated on January 23, but did you know it was started by a nuclear physicist? Charlie Papazian, founder of the American Pie Council, chose this date to coincide with his birthday. The most popular pie in the United States is apple pie, with Americans consuming over 186 million units annually.

Origins and Establishment of National Pie Day

National Pie Day was established by Charlie Papazian, a nuclear physicist and the founder of the American Pie Council, in 1975. Papazian chose January 23 as the date to celebrate his birthday and to promote the enjoyment of pie. The day was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress in 1986, designating it as a day to honor the culinary tradition of pie-making.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Initially, National Pie Day was a modest celebration among friends and family, but it has since grown into a nationwide event. The American Pie Council now hosts annual pie-eating contests, baking competitions, and charity events. Today, it is celebrated by bakeries, restaurants, and home bakers who offer special deals, host pie parties, and share recipes on social media. The day has also become a platform for promoting pie as a versatile and comforting dessert.

Facts & General Observations

• Over 186 million apple pies are sold in the United States each year.
• The world's largest pie, a pumpkin pie weighing 3,699 pounds, was baked in 2010 in New Bremen, Ohio.
• National Pie Day is not to be confused with Pi Day (March 14), which celebrates the mathematical constant π.

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