National Cannoli Day

Cannoli lover holding a traditional cannoli, wearing a chef's hat and apron, Italian bakery setting with a display of delicious pastries.. — National cannoli day illustration

Roll out the red pastry carpet because, folks, we're about to celebrate something truly creamy and crunchilicious - National Cannoli Day! You heard right; the sweetest day of the year, one worthy of an exclamation ‘Holy Cannoli!` Yes, we're so excited we whipped out the cannoli puns already, brace yourself for more!

When is Cannoli Day?

It's national cannoli day on the 16th June.

Flour Power: A Crumbs and All Tale of National Cannoli Day

If you've ever wondered what's worth celebrating more than cream-filled pastries, take a seat because honestly, we're still scratching our heads, too. We identified 533 mentions of National Cannoli Day online with the vanilla (or should we say ricotta?) of these coming on 16 Jun 2017. Is it a coincidence that one of the most popular days for acknowledging this sweet treat falls around the same time the weather gets warm enough for a garden cannoli party? We think not! Cannoli has a sneaky way of fitting into any and every occasion.

Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice

Typically, Cannolis are tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough, filled with a sweet and creamy filling usually containing ricotta. This darling of Sicilian cuisine has made its way into hearts and stomachs worldwide, and we like to think of National Cannoli Day as a way to honor this magnificent culinary creation.

Today’s Special: Extra Serving of Fun

So, how does one celebrate National Cannoli Day? Well, you can start by heading to your favorite local bakery, or perhaps assembling some homemade cannoli. Share them with friends, family, or keep them all to yourself (we promise we won't judge!). Remember, life is short, eat dessert first. Especially if that dessert is cannoli.

History behind the term 'Cannoli'

827 AD

Birth of Cannoli

The term 'cannoli' traces its origins back to 9th century Arab Sicily. The word 'cannolo', meaning 'little tube', was coined to describe a pastry with a thin, crisp outer shell filled with a sweet ricotta cheese filling. The initial form of the cannoli was likely invented by the Emirate of Sicily during the Arab rule.

1669 AD

Introduction to Italy

After the expulsion of the Arabs from Sicily, trade between Italy and the Eastern Mediterranean flourished. The cannolo made its way to Italy, becoming popular primarily in Palermo, Sicily's capital city. The Sicilian pastry quickly became an integral part of Italian cuisine, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

1891 AD

Recognition in the New World

Cannoli gained recognition and popularity beyond Italy when Italian immigrants began to settle in the United States. In 1891, the term 'cannoli' was first documented in English, appearing in a Syracuse newspaper article about an Italian feast. The mention of cannoli in the press contributed to its growing popularity in the New World.

1924 AD

Cannoli in Film

Cannoli further cemented its place in popular culture with the release of 'The Godfather' trilogy. In the iconic film series, cannoli plays a memorable role, showcased during the famous line, 'Leave the gun, take the cannoli.' This cinematic reference to cannoli not only added to its fame but also perpetuated its association with Italian-American heritage.

21st Century

Global Popularity

In recent years, cannoli has taken the global culinary scene by storm. The traditional cannolo has been reinvented with various fillings, such as chocolate, pistachio, and even savory options. Cannoli can now be found in pastry shops and Italian restaurants worldwide, serving as a symbol of the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Sicily and Italy.

Did you know?

Did you know that 'cannoli' is actually the plural form of 'cannolo', which means ‘little tube’ in Italian? Next time you only have one of these delicious pastries, impress your friends by saying, 'I am going to enjoy this cannolo!'