National Pretzel Day
April 26, Saturday
History of the Holiday
National Pretzel Day was first declared in 1983 by Congressman Robert S. Walker of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is known for its rich German-American heritage and strong pretzel-making tradition. Congressman Walker wanted to recognize the contributions of the pretzel to the state's economy and culture.
Significance of the Pretzel
The pretzel has deep roots in American history, particularly in Pennsylvania, where German immigrants (known as the Pennsylvania Dutch) began baking pretzels in the 18th century. Pretzels are believed to have originated in Europe, possibly by monks as early as the 7th century. Today, they are a popular snack across the United States.
How People Celebrate
There are many fun and tasty ways people celebrate National Pretzel Day:
- Visiting local bakeries or pretzel shops to enjoy fresh-made pretzels
- Taking advantage of special offers or free pretzel giveaways at national chains (e.g., Auntie Anne’s, Pretzelmaker)
- Trying new pretzel recipes at home, including flavored or stuffed pretzels
- Learning about pretzel history and trivia
- Sharing pretzel-themed posts on social media with tagged photos or stories
Fun Pretzel Facts
- Pennsylvania produces 80% of the nation's pretzels.
- The average American eats about 1.5 pounds of pretzels every year.
- The first pretzel factory in the U.S. was established in 1861 in Lititz, Pennsylvania.