National Free Taco Day

Cheerful individuals enjoying free tacos with friends at a vibrant outdoor fiesta, featuring colorful sombreros and a festive Mexican-inspired setting..
National free taco day illustration

Hungry for some free tacos? Well, prepare your taste buds because National Free Taco Day is here to satisfy your cravings! This mouthwatering holiday celebrates the deliciousness of tacos and the generosity of those who dish out these tasty treats. So, pull up a chair, grab some napkins, and let's dive into the scrumptious world of free tacos!

When is Free Taco Day?

It's national free taco day on the 22nd October.


The Origin of National Free Taco Day

Believe it or not, National Free Taco Day didn't begin with a hungry taco enthusiast who couldn't resist the temptation of deliciousness without spending a dime. No, this delectable holiday has its roots in the clever marketing strategies of various taco joints.

Restaurants and fast-food chains started offering free tacos as a promotional stunt to attract customers and reward their loyal fans. This strategy quickly gained traction across the country and became a much-anticipated event for taco lovers everywhere.

Today, National Free Taco Day is celebrated by numerous establishments, big and small, as they indulge their customers with this tasty gift of goodwill.

How to Celebrate National Free Taco Day?

Now that you know the backstory, the real question is, how can you fully immerse yourself in the taco-filled festivities? Here are some tips and ideas:

  • Keep an eye out for taco joints or restaurants offering free tacos on National Free Taco Day. Check their websites or social media pages for any promotions or special deals.
  • Organize a taco-themed potluck with your loved ones. Each person can bring their unique taco creation, and you can have a delightful and flavorful feast.
  • Host a taco-eating contest with your friends! Who can devour the most tacos in a set amount of time? This challenge is not for the faint of heart (or those with small stomachs).

Get creative and make your taco fillings from scratch. Experiment with combinations of meats, veggies, and spices to come up with your ultimate taco creation!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the largest taco ever made weighed a staggering 1.9 tons? It was created in Mexicali, Mexico, in 2003. That's a whole lot of tortilla and filling!



History behind the term 'Free Taco'


2006

Introducing free tacos

In 2006, Taco Bell, a popular fast food chain in the United States, launched a promotion called 'Steal a Base, Steal a Taco.' The promotion was in partnership with Major League Baseball and promised that if a player stole a base during the World Series, everyone in the country would be eligible for a free taco. David Eckstein of the St. Louis Cardinals became the first player to steal a base in the World Series that year, and Taco Bell delivered on their promise, giving away free tacos to their customers. This marked the introduction of the term 'free taco' in association with a promotional campaign.


2007

Continuing the tradition

After the success of the 'Steal a Base, Steal a Taco' campaign in 2006, Taco Bell decided to continue the tradition in subsequent years. They introduced the same promotion during the World Series, where a stolen base by any player would trigger the giveaway of free tacos nationwide. This annual campaign gained popularity among baseball fans and Taco Bell enthusiasts, solidifying the connection between the term 'free taco' and Taco Bell.


2012

Celebrities and free tacos

In 2012, Taco Bell partnered with the National Basketball Association (NBA) for their 'Steal a Game, Steal a Taco' promotion. The concept was similar to the baseball campaign, but this time tied to the NBA Finals. If a team won a road game during the Finals, Taco Bell would offer free tacos to its customers. The campaign gained significant attention, particularly when Miami Heat player LeBron James stole game four against the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading to Taco Bell giving away millions of free tacos. The involvement of high-profile athletes like LeBron James further elevated the cultural impact of the term 'free taco.'



2019

Free taco for America

In 2019, the Golden State Warriors stole a road game during the NBA Finals, and Taco Bell seized the opportunity to bring back their popular promotion. They declared a 'Steal a Game, Steal a Taco' day, where people throughout the United States could get a free taco from their local Taco Bell. This event highlighted how the term 'free taco' had become a highly anticipated national day for many American fast food enthusiasts, eagerly awaiting the chance to enjoy a free treat.


Did you know?

Did you know that the largest taco ever made weighed a staggering 1.9 tons? It was created in Mexicali, Mexico, in 2003. That's a whole lot of tortilla and filling!

Tagged

food fun celebration

First identified

20th October 2016

Most mentioned on

22nd October 2019

Total mentions

11

Other days

chocolate ice cream

Chocolate Ice Cream Day

pepperoni pizza

Pepperoni Pizza Day

chili

Chili Day


martini

Martini Day

pizza party

Pizza Party Day

cheese pizza

Cheese Pizza Day


vodka

Vodka Day

iced tea

Iced Tea Day

pina colada

Pina Colada Day


dumpling

Dumpling Day