National Tekilya Day

Young adults toasting with tequila shots, wearing colorful sombreros, festive Mexican decor and mariachi band playing in the background.. — National tekilya day illustration

Ah, National Tekilya Day! A day dedicated to celebrating the fine art of spelling tequila with a creative twist. Whether you prefer tequila on the rocks, in a margarita, or straight from a sombrero-shaped shot glass, this day is for you.

When is Tekilya Day?

It's national tekilya day on the 25th July.

The Origins of National Tekilya Day

Ever wondered who came up with the idea of National Tekilya Day? Well, wonder no more! We may or may not have found the answer in an ancient Aztec temple while sipping on a pineapple-infused tequila.

Legend has it that centuries ago, a mischievous yet fun-loving group of Aztec warriors stumbled upon a batch of tequila. As they indulged, one warrior, known for his questionable spelling skills, accidentally misspelled 'tequila' as 'tekilya.' Instead of feeling embarrassed, he laughed it off and declared it the birth of National Tekilya Day.

Since then, every year on July 25th, tequila enthusiasts worldwide honor this warrior and celebrate National Tekilya Day with laughter, cheer, and a few too many shots.

How to Celebrate

Now that you know the fascinating origin story of National Tekilya Day, it's time to dive into the celebrations!

1. Get your spelling juices flowing: Challenge your friends to a spelling bee where the only word is 'tequila' spelled backwards. Trust us, it’s harder than it sounds!

2. Mix it up: Get creative with your tequila-infused concoctions. From classic margaritas to quirky tequila sunrises, there's a drink for every taste bud.

3. Taco 'bout it: What's tequila without some tacos? Gather your loved ones for a Mexican feast filled with mouthwatering tacos, salsas, and guacamole.

Did You Know?

Did you know that tequila can only be produced in specific regions of Mexico? Yep, it's true! Just like champagne can only be called such if it's from the Champagne region of France, tequila must come from designated areas in Mexico. It's a protected spirit, so no tequila impostors allowed!

History behind the term 'Tekilya'

16th century

Spanish arrival in the Philippines

During the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the Philippines, bringing with them their culture and language. This marked the beginning of the Spanish colonial period, which lasted for more than three centuries. As the Spanish language influenced the native languages, including Filipino, new words and terms were introduced to the local vocabulary.

1898

Philippine independence movement

In 1898, the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule began. This movement aimed to secure independence from the colonial power. As part of the resistance, Filipinos embraced their cultural identity and language, seeking to promote Filipino nationalism. The local language, combined with Spanish influences, continued to evolve.

1946

Independence and Filipino identity

After years of struggle and various historical events, the Philippines finally gained independence from the United States on July 4, 1946. This significant milestone brought forth a stronger sense of Filipino identity. As the country developed as a sovereign nation, the Filipino language, known as Tagalog, began to solidify and take center stage.

1970s

Rise of the Filipino entertainment industry

In the 1970s, the Filipino entertainment industry, particularly in music and movies, experienced a surge in popularity. Filipino artists and performers, locally known as 'kultura,' became cultural icons, shaping the national identity. This period also saw the rise of a term called 'tekilya,' which originated from the English word 'tequila' and started to be used as a colloquial term for alcohol, especially hard liquor.

Present

Tekilya as part of Filipino slang

Today, 'tekilya' continues to be used in Filipino slang to refer to alcoholic beverages. It has become ingrained in the local lexicon and represents both a celebration of Filipino culture and the influence of international terms. The term 'tekilya' exemplifies the adaptability of language and its ability to incorporate foreign words into a unique cultural context.