National Pizza Pizza Day

A group of friends gathered around a table, each holding a slice of pizza with different toppings, laughing and enjoying a slice of life on National Pizza Pizza Day.. — National pizza pizza day illustration

Hey there pizza lovers! Get ready to raise your slice in celebration because it's National Pizza Pizza Day! This double dose of pizza goodness is the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite cheesy, saucy, and oh-so-tasty dish. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita, a Chicago deep-dish, or a crispy thin-crust, today is the day to honor pizza's deliciousness. So grab a napkin, pull up a chair, and get ready to dive into the saucy history of this glorious day!

When is Pizza Pizza Day?

It's national pizza pizza day on the 9th February.

The Delicious History of National Pizza Pizza Day

Let's start with a slice of history, shall we? The origins of pizza date back thousands of years to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These clever folks figured out that baking bread topped with various ingredients made for a tasty and versatile meal. However, the true ancestor of the modern pizza can be traced back to Naples, Italy.

In Naples, they began adding tomatoes, the main ingredient of the pizza as we know it today, in the late 18th century. Legend has it that the famous Margherita pizza was created in 1889 when Queen Margherita of Italy visited Naples. To honor her, pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito topped a pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil to represent the colors of the Italian flag: red, white, and green. And voila, the Margherita pizza was born!

Fast forward to the 20th century when pizza made its way to the United States with Italian immigrants. It gained popularity in cities like New York and Chicago, where different regional styles emerged. From the thin and foldable New York slice to the deep-dish, sauce-on-top Chicago pie, Americans fell head over heels for this cheesy delight. Pizza became a staple of American culture, with pizzerias popping up on every street corner and delivery becoming a way of life. And now, every year on National Pizza Pizza Day, we celebrate this culinary icon.

Pizza Fun Facts You Dough Not Want to Miss

Did you know that pizza is not just a beloved food, but also a cultural phenomenon? Here are a few fun and mind-blowing pizza facts that will impress your friends during your next pizza party:

The world's largest pizza, according to Guinness World Records, was made in 2012 and measured a whopping 131 feet in diameter. That's a whole lot of cheese!
Ever wondered why the box from your favorite pizza joint has that little table in the center? It's not just for stability. That mini table, also known as a pizza saver, was patented in 1985 to prevent the cardboard lid from touching and sticking to the pizza toppings. Genius, right?
Pizza Hut once delivered a pizza to the International Space Station in 2001. Talk about out-of-this-world delivery service!

These mouthwatering facts are just the tip of the pizza slice. So whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual pizza lover, National Pizza Pizza Day is your chance to celebrate this culinary marvel in all its delicious glory. Gather your loved ones, turn on the game, and get ready for a pizza feast like no other. Embrace the gooey cheese, the tangy tomato sauce, and the savory toppings—it's a day to savor every bite.

History behind the term 'Pizza Pizza'

Late 18th century

The Birth of Pizza

Pizza as a culinary concept originated in Naples, Italy, during the late 18th century. It was a popular street food among the working class, especially among the poor. These early pizzas consisted of simple ingredients such as bread, tomatoes, garlic, and cheese. They were baked quickly in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a delicious and affordable meal.

Late 19th century

Pizza Margherita and the Queen

In 1889, the margherita pizza was created in Naples by Raffaele Esposito, a pizza maker. The pizza was topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag. It was named after Queen Margherita of Italy, who was a fan of this particular pizza variant. This pizza gained immense popularity and became a symbol of Italian cuisine.

Early 20th century

Pizza Comes to America

Pizza made its way to the United States through Italian immigrants, particularly in cities like New York and Chicago. The first pizzeria in the US, Lombardi's, opened in New York City in 1905. Initially, pizza was primarily consumed by Italian communities, but its popularity grew steadily over the years.

1954

Pizza Pizza Ad Campaign

'Pizza pizza' became a well-known term thanks to a highly successful advertising campaign launched in 1954 by Little Caesars. The campaign featured a catchy jingle with the phrase 'Pizza! Pizza!' that emphasized the affordability of their two-for-one pizza deal. This slogan quickly became ingrained in popular culture, solidifying 'pizza pizza' as a recognizable term associated with the enjoyment of pizza.