National Fajita Day
August 18, Monday
History of the holiday
Fajitas appeared in American cuisine in the 1930s–1940s, when Mexican workers in Texas began using cheap cuts of beef (usually skirt steak), marinating them and cooking them over an open fire. Gradually, the dish became popular in restaurants and gained wide recognition.
In 2016, the restaurant chain On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina officially established the holiday — National Fajita Day, to honor this dish and draw attention to it.
Traditions of celebration
On this day, restaurants and cafes offer special promotions, discounts, and new variations of the dish. At home, people also prepare fajitas, experimenting with ingredients.
Classic ingredients
* Meat (beef, chicken, or pork, sometimes seafood)
* Peppers and onions, fried in a pan
* Wheat or corn tortillas
* Various sauces and toppings: guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese
Interesting facts
* The word "fajita" comes from the Spanish word "faja," which means "strip" or "belt," and refers to the way the meat is cut into thin strips.
* Today fajitas are prepared not only with meat, but also in vegetarian versions — with mushrooms, beans, or tofu.
* This is one of the "noisiest" restaurant dishes, as fajitas are traditionally served on a sizzling hot skillet, producing a characteristic sizzle.