National Bagelfest Day
July 26, Saturday
History of the holiday
The holiday was founded by Murray Lender, owner of Lender’s Bagels — one of the largest bagel producers in the US. In 1986, he organized the first festival in his hometown of Mattoon, Illinois, to celebrate the opening of a bagel factory. Since then, the holiday has spread across the country and has become an occasion for food lovers to enjoy this treat.
Why the bagel?
The bagel is a ring-shaped baked good that originally appeared in Jewish communities of Eastern Europe. Over time, it became incredibly popular in the US, especially in New York, where hundreds of recipes and variations appeared — from classic sesame to sweet ones with blueberries or cinnamon.
How National Bagelfest Day is celebrated
* Breakfast with a favorite bagel — with cheese, salmon, ham, jam, or other toppings.
* Visiting bakeries or cafes to try unusual flavors or new recipes.
* Making homemade bagels, experimenting with fillings and dough.
* Hosting tastings among friends or family.
* Participating in festivals if held in local communities, especially in Mattoon.
Interesting facts about bagels
* The word “bagel” comes from the German “beugel” — meaning “ring” or “hook.”
* The first recorded bagel recipe dates back to 1610 and originates from Krakow, Poland.
* Bagels became especially popular in the 20th century in the US thanks to Jewish immigrants.
* New York is considered the “bagel capital” of America.
Conclusion
National Bagelfest Day is not only an excuse to treat yourself to a favorite pastry but also an opportunity to learn more about gastronomic traditions, recipe migration, and cultural diversity. The bagel is a simple yet unifying dish loved by millions around the world.