Today is National Taco Day, which is celebrated annually October 4. Some people consider today a concentrated and intensified version of the “Taco Tuesdays.” As such, many restaurants around the nation are hosting various deals to entice customers to come in.
Taco History
Tacos, by definition, are corn or flour tortillas wrapped around a meat filling. It is unclear for certain when and where the delectable dish originated. However, they have been sold in the United States as early as the 1880s. That is when Mexican migrants sold tacos from their carts in the southwestern portion of America.
The new spices and savory flavor peaked Americans interests and they devoured the vendors delights. Additionally, the dishes recipes became adapted to appeal more to the American palate by 1920. This is when ingredients like chicken, ground beef, and cheddar cheese came into play.
National Taco Day
National Taco Day has roots in a gigantic tamale created for President John F. Kennedy’s birthday. A San Antonio city councilor, Roberto L. Gomez, put together a motorcade to send a 48-pound tamale to Kennedy in 1961. Gomez stated it was “on behalf of citizens of the United States of Latin heritage.”
The stunt gained mass publicity, even though the huge tamale failed to make it to Kennedy. Three years later, Gomez sent a 55-pound taco to President Lyndon B. Johnson. All of his tongue-in-cheek gifts to Washington led to the birth of the National Taco Council. Later, Gomez convinced the San Antonio government to recognize the days prior to Cinco de Mayo as National Taco Week.
Jumping forward in time, the taco chain, Del Taco, used National Taco Day as part of its 2009 advertisement campaign. Shortly thereafter, restaurants near and far began celebrating the Mexican delight.
Different Ways Restaurants Celebrate
To help celebrate National Taco Day, many places offer special deals. For example, Laredo Taco Company, which can be found in some 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes Stores offered$2 beef fajita tacos while supplies lasted.
Not wanting to keep the celebration to just one day, Bubbakoo’s Burritos is giving away free taco trio entrees for an entire year to 15 customers. The only catch is people need to like, comment, or share the brand’s post on any of it’s social media platforms between October 2 to the 8th. The Mexican-fusion chain with locations in Crestwood, Lombard and Arlington Heights. Bubbakoo’s Burritos will announce the winners on social media October 11.
Additionally, iconic Taco Bell joined in the National Taco Day celebrations. They brought back its taco subscription to get customer’s juices flowing. They also allowed people to buy the Taco Lover’s Pass for $10 starting October 3 and ending the 4th.
Hopefully, people were able to enjoy their favorite tacos today.
Written by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
NBC Chicago: National Taco Day: Where to find taco deals, freebies around Chicago
National Today: National Taco Day – October 4, 2023
Farmers’ Almanac: National Taco Day: A Delicious Way To Celebrate
Inset Image Courtesy of Doran‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Featured Image Courtesy of Kirk K‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
