World Pizza Day

January 17, Saturday

World Pizza Day is an informal international observance dedicated to pizza, one of the most widespread and recognizable dishes of Italian origin. The date is commonly marked on 9 February in many countries, though it does not have official status as a public holiday.

History of origin

The exact origin of World Pizza Day as a dedicated date is not clearly documented in official records or international resolutions. The observance grew gradually through popular culture, media attention, and marketing initiatives by restaurant chains and food brands, especially in the United States and Europe.

Pizza itself originated in Italy, with roots in the culinary traditions of Naples. Modern pizza, particularly the Margherita with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, is associated with late 19th‑century Naples. Over the 20th century, Italian migration contributed to the spread of pizza to North and South America, Western Europe, and later worldwide. As pizza’s popularity expanded, it became the subject of various national and international food days and promotional events.

World Pizza Day on 9 February is often linked, especially in the United States, with the broader cycle of food‑themed observances and brand campaigns. The date does not coincide with a specific historical event in pizza’s history but has become a convenient focal point for global celebration, advertising, and public recognition of the dish.

Significance and role

World Pizza Day serves primarily as a cultural and gastronomic observance. It highlights pizza as a symbol of Italian culinary heritage and as a globalized, adaptable dish that exists in many regional variations. For the food industry, it functions as a promotional opportunity for pizzerias, restaurants, delivery services, and food producers.

The day also illustrates broader themes related to food globalization, fusion cuisine, and the movement of culinary traditions across borders. In some contexts, it is used to draw attention to the work of pizza makers, from traditional Neapolitan pizzaioli to contemporary chefs experimenting with new styles and ingredients.

Traditions and forms of celebration

World Pizza Day is celebrated in an informal and largely commercial way, without standardized rituals or official ceremonies. Common forms of observance include:

• Special offers and discounts at pizzerias, restaurants, and delivery services
• Limited‑time pizza varieties or experimental toppings promoted by food businesses
• Social media campaigns encouraging the sharing of pizza photos, recipes, and personal preferences
• Home gatherings, parties, or informal events centered around baking or ordering pizza
• Media content such as articles, television segments, and online videos discussing pizza history, regional styles, and preparation techniques

In some cities, culinary schools, food festivals, or Italian cultural institutes may hold workshops, demonstrations, or tastings focused on traditional pizza‑making methods, including Neapolitan techniques recognized by international culinary organizations.

Interesting facts

Pizza is associated with several international recognitions and records that are often mentioned in connection with World Pizza Day:

• Traditional Neapolitan pizza (Pizza Napoletana) has been recognized by the European Union with a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) designation, reflecting its codified ingredients and preparation methods.
• In 2017, UNESCO inscribed the art of Neapolitan “pizzaiuolo” (the craft of the Neapolitan pizza maker) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, emphasizing the cultural and social importance of pizza‑making in Naples.
• Numerous world records involving pizza exist, including records for the largest pizza, the longest pizza, and the highest pizza delivery, often highlighted by media outlets around food‑related observances.
• Many countries have their own national pizza days, which coexist with or complement World Pizza Day, such as National Pizza Day in the United States, also commonly observed on 9 February.

World Pizza Day continues to develop as a popular cultural observance, shaped by the global spread of pizza, the creativity of professional and home cooks, and the promotional activities of the international food industry.

World Pizza Day in other countries