National Tortilla Chip Day

A group of friends enjoying a bowl of tortilla chips, vibrant Mexican fiesta decorations, sombreros, and colorful ponchos, surrounded by mariachi music. — National tortilla chip day illustration

Hola, amigos! If we could turn crunchiness into a numerical scale, the joyous cry from biting into a fried or baked tortilla chip would off the charts. And guess what? This corn-disk of crispy delight has its own day! Welcome to the deliciously noisy world of National Tortilla Chip Day.

When is Tortilla Chip Day?

It's national tortilla chip day on the 24th February.

The Origin of National Tortilla Chip Day

Though the origins of the National Tortilla Chip Day are as elusive as the last chip hiding in your tortilla bag, what we do know for certain is that the internet exploded in tortilla chip-loving harmony on February 24, 2016. The deepest corners of cyberspace echoed with the crunchy tales of tortilla chips, and it was absolutely adorable!

What are Tortilla Chips?

In case you’ve been living under a culinary rock, let's talk tortilla chips. These little triangles of happiness are made from corn tortillas cut into wedges and then fried or baked. Tortilla chips are usually salted and are often served as a snack, appetizer, or finger food, typically with dips. Can anyone say 'salsa'?

How to Celebrate Tortilla Chip Day

When it comes to honoring National Tortilla Chip Day, the options are infinite – almost like dipping your hand into a bottomless bag of chips. You can host a nacho party. Not just your ordinary, run-of-the-mill nacho party, but a nacho decoration party! Let your friends and family get creative, crafting culinary masterpieces out of tortilla chips and a variety of toppings.

Another way is to finally experiment with that odd-sounding but intriguing dip recipe you've had bookmarked for months. Unicorn Pegasus Rainbow dip, anyone? Or, take a trip to your local Mexican restaurant and explore the variety of tortilla chip-using dishes they offer.

Spread the Crunch

Don't forget to let the world know how much you're enjoying National Tortilla Chip Day. Share your celebrations on social media with hashtags like #NationalTortillaChipDay or #CrunchyGoodness.

History behind the term 'Tortilla Chip'

1943

The Birth of the Nacho

In 1943, Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, a Mexican chef, invented a new snack by cutting tortillas into triangles and deep-frying them. He topped the crispy chips with melted cheese and sliced jalapenos, creating what is now known as the nacho. This innovative creation became a popular dish in Anaya's restaurant, and eventually spread to other parts of Mexico and the United States.

1949

Mass Production of Tortilla Chips

In 1949, Rebecca Webb Carranza, a Mexican-American businesswoman, took the idea of the nacho further and started mass-producing tortilla chips. She found a way to cut the tortillas into perfect triangles using a machine, making the production process more efficient. Carranza's tortilla chips quickly gained popularity and became a staple in Mexican cuisine, particularly as a complement to salsa and guacamole.

1974

The Birth of the Term 'Tortilla Chip'

The term 'tortilla chip' was officially coined in 1974. The snack had been commonly referred to as 'nachos' or 'tortilla nachos' up until this point. The name change was influenced by the rising demand and availability of pre-packaged tortilla chips in grocery stores. The new term helped differentiate the standalone chips from the popular nacho dish.

1989

National Tortilla Chip Day

In 1989, National Tortilla Chip Day was established in the United States. This food holiday celebrates the beloved snack and encourages people to enjoy tortilla chips with their favorite dips and salsas. Every year on February 24th, tortilla chip lovers unite to commemorate the crispy, flavorful, and versatile nature of this iconic snack.

Did you know?

Did you know that the Guiness World Record for the largest serving of nachos weighed 4899.5 pounds and was achieved by Centerplate (USA) at the University of Kansas, USA, in 2012? That's a lot of tortilla chips!