National Churro Day

Smiling girl biting into a churro, wearing colorful fiesta clothes, festive Mexican street food scene.. — National churro day illustration

Hola, or should I say, 'Churro!' Given our love for the far-from-forgotten yet seldom-fêted churro, isn't it high time we gave this sweet sensation the recognition it deserves? Welcome to our celebratory article about the under-the-radar but oh-so-delicioso National Churro Day. All abuzz on June 6th, 2016, this day gathered much fanfare online, and there's a lot of sugar-coated history behind it!

When is Churro Day?

It's national churro day on the 6th June.

A Taste of Spain on National Churro Day

You'd be forgiven for thinking the humble churro was born in a theme park or a late-night street food stall, but this sugary delight has noble roots that go deep into Spanish culture. Medieval shepherds are to thank for these easy-to-cook doughnuts which were named after 'churra' sheep, thanks to the similarity in shape to their curly and ridged horns.

The Buzz around National Churro Day

Although not yet an officially recognized day on many calendars, National Churro Day has come to life in the digital sphere, thanks to the power of the internet. The most mentions of this sweet celebration were recorded on June 6th, 2016 – and let's just say, it was a 'sweet' revolution across the cyber landscape. On this day, the internet was inundated with images of this glorious golden treat, and recipes swirled around like sugar on a hot churro.

Why We Celebrate

We are all suckers for a good sweet treat, and the churro, with its crispy exterior and soft, airy inside is borderline addictive. Whether dunked in hot chocolate or rolled in sugar and cinnamon, these delicate pastries earn their day of honor for warming our bellies and our hearts, serving up a sugar rush that energizes our spirits.

History behind the term 'Churro'

1569

Early Origins in Spain

The history of the churro dates back to 1569 in Spain. Churros were created by Spanish shepherds who needed a portable and easy-to-make food while tending to their sheep in the mountains. The shepherds would mix flour, water, and salt to form a dough, which they would then fry in hot oil. These early churros were shaped like the horns of the churra sheep, from which they got their name.

1542

The Introduction of Churros

Churros were first introduced in Spain by the shepherds, who lived in the mountains and used to make these delightful treats to sustain themselves during long hours of tending to their flocks. The shepherds created a simple dough made from flour, water, and salt, which was then fried until golden and crispy. These early churros were shaped like thin tubes, similar to the horns of their flocks, and were often enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate.

1520

Spanish Roots

Churros trace their origins back to Spain in the early 16th century. It is believed that Spanish shepherds created the first churro-like treat. These shepherds, known as 'churros', would spend long periods of time tending to their flocks in the mountains. To sustain themselves, they fried strips of dough and sprinkled them with sugar, resembling the shape of the horns of the churra sheep they herded.

16th century

Origin in Spain

Churros originated in Spain during the 16th century. They are believed to have been inspired by the pastry-cooking techniques brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors.

19th century

The Churrería concept

In the 19th century, churros gained popularity in Spain with the rise of the churrería concept. Churrerías, specialized establishments dedicated to selling churros, started to appear in cities, becoming social hubs where people would gather to enjoy this crispy treat.

1544

From Wheat to Corn

Churros made their way to the New World when the Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana introduced them in Peru. However, due to the scarcity of wheat, the original recipe underwent a transformation. Instead of using wheat-based dough, Peruvians started making churros with corn flour, resulting in a slightly different texture and taste compared to the traditional Spanish churros.

1565

Churros Arrive in the New World

Churros made their way to the New World during the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Spanish explorers and traders brought the recipe to Mexico, where it gained popularity and became an integral part of Mexican cuisine. The Mexican version of churros was slightly different, as they used a star-shaped nozzle to shape the dough before frying, resulting in a ridged, crispy exterior.

1830

Introduction to the Americas

Churros made their way to the Americas in the 19th century. Spanish immigrants brought the churro recipe with them to countries like Mexico and Argentina. Churros quickly gained popularity as a delicious street food, especially in Mexico. They became a staple at fairs, festivals, and other outdoor events.

Early 20th century

Churros in Latin America

Churros found their way to Latin America as Spanish immigrants brought their culinary traditions with them. Churros quickly became popular throughout the region, and they were often enjoyed alongside a cup of thick hot chocolate.

1800s

Churros Spread throughout Europe

Churros began to spread throughout Europe in the early 19th century, establishing themselves as a beloved street food in countries like France and Portugal. In France, they became known as 'chichis' and were often enjoyed at carnivals and fairs. In Portugal, they were called 'filhós' and were commonly eaten during festive holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

1800s

Street Food Sensation

Churros gained popularity as a street food in Spain during the 19th century. They became a beloved treat that was often sold by street vendors, known as 'churrerías'. These churrerías would set up their mobile stalls in various neighborhoods, attracting locals with the enticing aroma of freshly fried churros. This era marked the transformation of churros from a humble shepherd's snack to a beloved national indulgence.

1900

Churros in the United States

Churros made their way to the United States through Mexican immigrants. The first documented evidence of churros being sold in the U.S. dates back to the early 1900s, where they were found in Mexican-American neighborhoods in California and Texas. Churros gained popularity among the Hispanic communities and eventually spread to mainstream culture.

1900s

Churros Gain Popularity Worldwide

During the 20th century, churros gained popularity beyond Europe and Latin America. They made their way to the United States, particularly in areas with large Hispanic communities, and became a popular snack item at carnivals, amusement parks, and street food stalls. Churros also became a common dessert choice at Spanish-themed restaurants around the world, delighting taste buds with their crispy exterior and soft, doughy interior.

1960s

Churros in the United States

In the 1960s, churros started to gain attention in the United States. They became particularly popular at amusement parks and fairs, where the doughy treats would be deep-fried and dusted with sugar and cinnamon, providing a delicious portable snack.

2000

Global Popularity

In the 21st century, churros have achieved global popularity. They can be found in various forms and flavors around the world. From traditional churros sprinkled with cinnamon sugar to filled churros with chocolate or caramel, this fried dough treat has become a beloved indulgence for people of all ages. Churro stands can be seen at amusement parks, carnivals, and even upscale restaurants.

1928

Spanish Influence in Mexico

The popularity of churros continued to spread, reaching Mexico in the early 20th century. Spanish immigrants brought their churro-making expertise to the country and set up churrerías. Churros quickly became a popular street food in Mexico, earning a special place in Mexican culinary culture. Today, churros are commonly enjoyed in Mexico, often accompanied by a cup of thick hot chocolate for dipping.

Present

Churros Today

Churros have become a beloved treat enjoyed by people of all ages in various parts of the world. Nowadays, you can find churros with a variety of fillings, such as chocolate, caramel, or even ice cream. They are often served with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Whether you're enjoying them at a local fair, a bustling street market, or in the comfort of your own home, churros continue to bring joy and satisfaction to those lucky enough to indulge in their deliciousness.

1960s

Churros Go International

With the growing popularity of Spanish and Mexican cuisine worldwide, churros began making appearances in various countries during the 1960s. Churro stands and stalls found their way into fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks around the globe, delighting people with their crispy exterior and soft, doughy interior. Today, churros are enjoyed in many countries, often being served with a variety of dipping sauces and toppings to suit local preferences.

Recent years

Global popularity

Churros have gained global popularity in recent years and can now be found in various countries around the world. With their crispy yet tender texture and sweet cinnamon flavor, churros continue to delight people of all ages.

Did you know?

The traditional churro pastry shape was inspired by the horns of the 'churra' sheep breed. So next time you bite into one, remember the medieval shepherds who started it all!