National Perogy Day

Cheerful person lifting a forkful of perogies with steam rising, wearing a cozy sweater, autumnal scene with leaves in the background.. — National perogy day illustration

Welcome to the wondrous world of National Perogy Day! Get ready to dive fork-first into a celebration of these pillowy pockets of deliciousness. Whether you love them boiled, fried, or baked, there's no denying that perogies are the ultimate comfort food. Join us as we explore the internet history of this tasty holiday!

When is Perogy Day?

It's national perogy day on the 8th October.

The Perogy Phenomenon

Perogies, also known as varenyky, have a rich history that stretches back centuries. These little bundles of joy originated in Eastern Europe and quickly became a beloved staple in countries like Ukraine, Poland, and Russia. But how did they make their way onto our modern plates?

The internet played a crucial role in spreading perogy love far and wide. National Perogy Day was first mentioned online in 1991, when a passionate perogy enthusiast created a virtual tribute to these heavenly dumplings. The website featured recipes, tips on making the perfect perogy dough, and even a perogy song (yes, you read that right!).

Since then, the online perogy community has flourished. Social media platforms, recipe blogs, and cooking forums have become havens for perogy lovers to share their favorite fillings, cooking techniques, and creative twists on this classic dish. The internet has transformed National Perogy Day from a niche holiday to a worldwide celebration of culinary delight.

A Global Celebration

When October 8th rolls around each year, perogy enthusiasts around the globe unite in their love for these flavorful dumplings. People gather with loved ones to share a meal filled with steaming plates of perogies, vibrant conversations, and, of course, lots of laughter.

National Perogy Day isn't just about food—it's about creating lasting memories. Whether you're hosting a perogy feast for your friends, participating in a perogy-eating contest (yeah, those exist!), or simply enjoying a cozy night in with a plate of your favorite stuffed dumplings, this holiday is all about savoring the moment and celebrating the flavors that bring us joy.

Did You Know?

Did you know that perogies have even reached the final frontier? In 2007, a Canadian astronaut named Bob Thirsk enjoyed a feast of perogies aboard the International Space Station. Talk about out-of-this-world cravings!

History behind the term 'Perogy'

14th century

Origins in Eastern Europe

The term 'perogy' originates from Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Ukraine, where this dish has been a staple for centuries. The word 'perogy' comes from the Ukrainian word 'pyroh', which means 'pie'. In Poland, they are called 'pierogi'. These delicious dumplings were initially created as a way to use up leftovers and make a hearty and satisfying meal.

19th century

Spread of perogies in North America

In the late 19th century, a wave of Ukrainian and Polish immigrants brought their culinary traditions, including perogies, to North America. They settled in areas such as the United States and Canada, where perogies gained popularity among both immigrant communities and the wider population. Perogies became a beloved dish that celebrated and preserved the immigrants' cultural heritage.

20th century

Perogy festivals and competitions

As perogies continued to gain popularity in North America, various festivals and competitions emerged to celebrate this delicious dish. The first known perogy festival was held in Glendon, Alberta, Canada, in 1967. These festivals bring people together to enjoy different variations of perogies, often accompanied by lively music, cultural activities, and even perogy-eating contests. These events play a significant role in maintaining and promoting Ukrainian and Polish traditions.

Present day

Perogies in popular culture

Perogies have become more than just a traditional dish. They have found their way into popular culture across North America. In the United States, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is famous for its pierogies, even hosting a 'Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival' each year. Perogies have also made appearances in movies, television shows, and even in song lyrics, further solidifying their place in the cultural landscape.