National Caesar Day

Person joyfully holding a plate with a classic Caesar salad, surrounded by Roman-inspired decor like laurel wreaths and columns. — National caesar day illustration

Who knew salads could have their own special day, not to mention something as specific as a Caesar salad? Brace yourselves, lettuce lovers, because 14th May is officially National Caesar Day. A day when we elevate our humble greens and celebrate them with Roman grandeur!

When is Caesar Day?

It's national caesar day on the 14th May.

We noticed a whopping 5694 mentions of this delicious day online, peaking on 14th May 2015. If the internet's digital leaves could rustle, they'd surely be doing so with all this salad talk!

A Brief History of National Caesar Day

The Caesar Salad, despite its royal sounding name, does not trace its origins back to Julius Caesar. In reality, the salad was born in the kitchen of Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant who owned restaurants in Mexico and the United States. He whipped up the first Caesar Salad in 1924 in Tijuana, Mexico. Over the years, this salad has achieved such a cult status that we now celebrate a National Caesar Day!

Celebrating National Caesar Day

But how does one celebrate National Caesar Day? Some might don a leafy crown and head to their favourite restaurant, others might prefer to toss their own salad at home. The beauty of this day lies in its combination of simplicity and sophistication. Add some crunchy croutons, lightly coated with garlic and olive oil, and shaved Parmesan cheese, to your romaine lettuce. Top it off with Cardini's original Caesar salad dressing and voila – your National Caesar Day celebration is complete!

Why We Love National Caesar Day

Apart from being scrumptious, Caesar Salad is rich in vitamins A and K, providing amazing health benefits. National Caesar Day gives us an opportunity to appreciate this delicious and nutritious delight, bringing loved ones together over a shared love of food. So, mark your calendar – 14th May is a day for celebrating, appreciating, and satisfying our Caesar Salad cravings.

History behind the term 'Caesar'

49 BCE

Caesar's Military Campaigns

During this year, Julius Caesar, a Roman general, embarked on a series of military campaigns that would later make him famous. Caesar was known for his strategic brilliance and his successful conquest of Gaul (present-day France) solidified his reputation as a military leader.

44 BCE

Assassination of Julius Caesar

In 44 BCE, Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of senators led by Brutus, Cassius, and other key conspirators. This shocking event took place at the Ides of March and marked the end of Caesar's political career but not his lasting influence over Roman history.

42 BCE

Title of 'Caesar' Conferred

In 42 BCE, Julius Caesar posthumously became deified through a senatorial decree, and his adopted heir, Octavian, took the name 'Caesar' as part of his title. Octavian eventually became the first Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar. The term 'Caesar' became synonymous with imperial power and authority.

1000 CE

Caesar as a Title for Rulers

Over the centuries, the term 'Caesar' evolved and became a common title for rulers in various countries. This includes the Holy Roman Emperors, who considered themselves successors to the Roman Emperors and also adopted the title 'Caesar.' The term 'Kaiser' in German and 'Tsar' in Russian are derived from 'Caesar.'

1599 CE

Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar'

In 1599, William Shakespeare wrote and performed his famous play 'Julius Caesar.' The play dramatized the events surrounding Caesar's assassination and contributed to the enduring fascination with Caesar and his impact on Roman history. Shakespeare's portrayal shaped popular perceptions of Caesar.

1922 CE

Caesar Salad Creation

In 1922, Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur, invented the Caesar salad. Cardini ran out of ingredients in his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, and creatively whipped up a salad using whatever he had on hand. This iconic salad, with its tangy dressing and crunchy croutons, became beloved worldwide.