Friday Fish Fry Day

Categories:: Food & Beverage
Tags:: American Cooking Food
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: First Friday of Lent
Holiday emoji:: 🐟

Friday Fish Fry Day arrives on the first Friday of Lent each year, inviting everyone to partake in this beloved tradition. Originating in the Midwest, it’s a perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones over plates of fried fish and support local establishments. Plan a meal out or host a home-cooked feast to join the festivities.

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Expected Friday Fish Fry Day Deals

As Friday Fish Fry Day approaches in 2027, expect numerous restaurants and fast-food chains to roll out special promotions. Historically, establishments like Long John Silver’s, Captain D’s, and Culver’s offer limited-time fish platters and combo deals. Grocery stores such as Kroger and Meijer often feature sales on frozen fish fillets and frying ingredients like breading and oil. Local pubs and diners, particularly across the Midwest, will likely host all-you-can-eat fish fries and beer specials. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 12 approaches.

Platform Guide for Friday Fish Fry Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #FridayFishFryDay. Share mouth-watering photos of your favorite fish fry dishes, whether homemade or from a local spot.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #FridayFishFryDay. Film a quick video reviewing a local fish fry, or share a fun recipe for homemade fried fish.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #FridayFishFryDay. Create an event for a community fish fry or ask followers to share their go-to fish fry spots.

Friday Fish Fry Day Hero

Pope Gregory I (The Great)

Pope Gregory I, who served from 590 to 604 AD, is often credited with formally establishing many of the Lenten practices observed by Catholics today. His influence helped solidify the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent, which laid the groundwork for the widespread adoption of fish as a substitute, giving rise to traditions like the Friday Fish Fry.

History of Friday Fish Fry Day

Friday Fish Fry Day didn’t start as an American cultural tradition as you may think. Consuming fish at the start of Lent originated in the Biblical times of 30 A.D., when Jesus Christ started fasting and abstaining from consuming warm-blooded animals. He only ate fish, a cold-blooded animal, leading up to his crucifixion. Abstaining from eating warm-blooded flesh is a way of honoring Christ for his sacrifice. Apart from becoming a vital tradition of Catholicism, this also later became a driver of the global fishing economy.

The tradition was started by German Catholic settlers who came to Wisconsin in the 19th century. At the time, the Church was strict and only allowed Catholics to consume fish — not just for Lent but every Friday of the year! This was quickly adopted by Wisconsin locals, who started finding creative ways to serve their fish. Fried fish became popular because it was both easy to prepare and delicious.

Other than Lent, Friday fish nights became a cultural tradition in Wisconsin because of beer. Breweries like Blatz, Miller, Pabst, and Schlitz were based in Wisconsin. Not only does fried fish go well with beer, but beer-battered fish fry also became a popular way to coat the fish. In the 1920s, fishing became a rising industry in the state.

The first annual Friday Fish Fry Day took place on February 19, 2021, and was organized by Wisconsin local and fish enthusiast Caleb Westphal.

Friday Fish Fry Day timeline

30 A.D.

The Fasting of Christ

Jesus Christ abstains from eating warm-blooded animals and only consumes fish before his crucifixion.

19th Century

The Origin of Catholic Traditions in America

German Catholic settlers bring their religion to the U.S. and introduce lent traditions, including Fish Friday.

1920s

The Rise of the Fishing Industry

The popularity of fried fish and beer every Friday causes the fishing industry to rise in Wisconsin.

February 19, 2021

The First Annual Day

Wisconsin local and fish enthusiast Caleb Westphal organizes the first annual Friday Fish Fry Day.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Friday Fish Fry Day

Local restaurants, pubs, and community centers can fully embrace Friday Fish Fry Day by offering special Lenten menus featuring various fried fish options, from classic cod to regional favorites. Seafood markets can promote fresh fish and seafood bundles for home cooks, along with recommended frying batters and sauces. Consider hosting a themed event with live music or trivia to draw in families and groups looking to enjoy the tradition.

Friday Fish Fry Day FAQs

When is Friday Fish Fry Day?

Friday Fish Fry Day in 2027 will be observed on Friday, February 12, coinciding with the start of the Lenten period. Gather your loved ones for this annual culinary tradition.

Why do people eat fish on Fridays during Lent?

Historically, the Catholic Church designated Fridays as days of abstinence from meat as a remembrance of Christ’s crucifixion. Fish became the customary protein, leading to the popular ‘fish fry’ tradition, especially prevalent during the 40 days of Lent.

How popular is the Friday Fish Fry tradition?

While strongest in the Midwest, the fish fry tradition extends across the United States, with countless restaurants and community organizations offering fish specials throughout Lent. It’s a widely anticipated culinary event for many.

What kind of fish is typically used for a fish fry?

While cod and perch remain perennial favorites, many establishments also feature local catches or seasonal options for their fish fries. The key is a firm, white-fleshed fish that crisps up well when battered and fried.

Friday Fish Fry Day Activities

Hit the pubs and restaurants
The traditional way to celebrate Friday Fish Fry Day is by visiting your favorite pubs and restaurants with your friends and family. Order your favorite piece of crispy fried fish over a round of local beer. This way, you’re not just supporting the fishing industry but also the local food establishments in your area.
Try out different fried fish recipes
If you’re in the mood to have a relaxing and peaceful Friday Fish Fry Day at home, then trying out different fried fish recipes might be for you. There are various batters and seasonings you can choose from to cook your fish. Switch up your sides too, whether mashed potatoes, peas, rice, or corn — the choice is yours!
Donate to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin
You can participate in the donation drive for Feeding America simply by voting for your favorite fish. Visit their website and make this day a philanthropic one.

5 Facts About Fried Fish That You Didn’t Know

Fried fish is not a healthy option
Fried fish is not for regular consumption because it contains at least 500 calories.
McDonald’s Fillet-O-Fish originated in Ohio
The popular Fillet-O-Fish from Mcdonald’s was invented in Cincinnati, Ohio, as a Lenten special.
Cod is the most popular option
The Alaskan cod is often used for fried fish because it can withstand high frying temperatures.
Americans eat a lot of fish
On average, each American eats 16 pounds of fish annually.
The biggest producer
While Friday Fish Fry Day originated in Wisconsin, Alaska is still the biggest player in fish production in the U.S.

Why We Love Friday Fish Fry Day

We love fish
There’s no better reason to celebrate Friday Fish Fry Day than simply loving fish. Fried fish is crispy, delicious, and sumptuous. Having a holiday dedicated to this dish is the cherry on top of a tasty meal.
It’s easy to prepare
Fried fish is easy to prepare and cook. Just dip it in your batter and fry. It’s ideal for a quick homemade meal when you have limited time to prepare a delicious Friday night dinner for your family.
We love our local fishers
Friday Fish Fry Day does not just highlight the fish itself but also the fishermen who work hard every day to catch them. It’s a great way to support the local fishing industry and boost the local economy as a whole.