National Olive Day
June 1, Sunday
History of the Holiday
The holiday was officially established in 2015 at the initiative of the company Divina, specializing in the production of olives and Mediterranean delicacies. The idea was to emphasize the importance of olives as a symbol of taste, health, and tradition.
The Significance of Olives in Culture
The olive tree is considered a symbol of peace, fertility, and longevity. Olives and olive oil played an important role in the lives of ancient civilizations — from Ancient Greece to Egypt and Rome.
How National Olive Day is Celebrated
* Organizing tastings of various types of olives (green, black, Kalamata, and others)
* Preparing dishes with olives: tapenade, salads, pizza, pasta, appetizers
* Visiting delicatessen shops or farmers' markets
* Sharing recipes and photos on social media with hashtags #NationalOliveDay or #OliveDay
* Trying extra virgin olive oil and learning about its varieties and properties
Interesting Facts About Olives
* Olives cannot be eaten directly from the tree — they are bitter and require processing (salting, pickling)
* There are more than 1,000 varieties of olives in the world
* Spain is the largest producer of olives, followed by Italy, Greece, and Turkey
* An olive tree can live for more than 1,000 years
Health Benefits of Olives
* Rich in monounsaturated fats, beneficial for the heart
* Contain antioxidants and vitamin E
* Help lower cholesterol levels
* Have anti-inflammatory properties
Popular Dishes with Olives
* Greek salad
* Tapenade (olive paste with capers and anchovies)
* Mediterranean pizza
* Olive bread
* Puttanesca pasta