- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- CulturalHealthy FoodHistorical
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- 4th Friday of November
- Holiday emoji:
- 🌽
Maize Day arrives on the 4th Friday of November, celebrating the incredible versatility and nutritional power of this ancient grain. From popcorn to tortillas, maize is a staple across global cuisines. Join us in honoring its rich history and diverse uses by cooking with corn, exploring its cultural significance, or learning about sustainable farming practices.
Want to sponsor Maize Day? Learn how
Expected Maize Day Deals
As Maize Day approaches, expect grocery stores and specialty food retailers to feature promotions on corn-based products. Look for discounts on fresh corn, frozen corn, cornmeal, tortillas, and gourmet popcorn brands like Pop Secret and Orville Redenbacher’s. Fast-casual restaurants such as Chipotle and Moe’s Southwest Grill may offer deals on dishes featuring corn salsa or roasted corn. Keep an eye out for sales on masa harina from brands like Maseca for homemade tamales. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 28 approaches.
Platform Guide for Maize Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #MaizeDay. Share vibrant photos of your favorite corn dishes, from elotes to cornbread, or showcase the colorful varieties of maize.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #MaizeDay. Film quick recipe tutorials for corn-based snacks, highlight interesting facts about maize, or create a fun challenge around corn harvesting.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #MaizeDay. Post about the cultural significance of maize, share family recipes, or organize a virtual corn-themed potluck.
Maize Day Hero
Corrine Lightweaver
History of Maize Day
In 2004, artist Corinne Lightweaver unintentionally launched the holiday as a small research experiment with her family to observe Thanksgiving Day from the standpoint of the indigenous people.
Maize (‘Zea mays’) can be traced back to 1500 B.C. in southern Mexico. Early Mexican farmers domesticated a wild grass called ‘teosinte’ by picking the best and biggest kernels, and ultimately, the famous crop we recognize today as maize was established. The domesticated maize circulated fast throughout Mexico because it is rich in nutrients, easy to grow, store, carry, prepare, and eat. It went down the coast to Peru and beyond, moving across the North until it eventually reached the Native Americans. Today, maize is global and is a major part of our diet. 297,624,053.95 imperial tons are produced yearly in the U.S. alone.
Maize has become a staple food in many parts of the world, produced more than rice or wheat. In addition to being eaten directly by humans, maize is used as feed for animals and made into cornstarch and corn syrup products. Sugar-rich varieties called sweet corn are grown for human consumption as kernels, while field varieties are typically used for animal feed and corn-based human food.
Maize grows as tall as 23 feet and as short as eight feet, and the beloved sweet corn is usually the shorter kind. Maize is rich in vitamin C; the antioxidant helps protect your cells from damage and ward off cancer and heart diseases. Yellow corn is rich in carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect against lens damage that causes cataracts, making it great for the eyes. The six types of maize or corn are sweet corn, dent corn, pod corn, flour corn, flint corn, and popcorn.
Maize Day timeline
Maize can be traced back to 1500 B.C in southern Mexico.
The first European illustration of corn is published in Venice.
Artist Corinne Lightweaver launches National Maize Day.
The total global production of maize is 1.146 billion tons.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Maize Day
Local businesses can celebrate Maize Day by incorporating corn into their menus, offering special discounts on corn-based products, or hosting educational events. Restaurants could feature a ‘Maize Day Special’ with dishes like gourmet elotes or unique cornbread variations. Grocery stores can create eye-catching displays of different corn varieties and share recipe cards. Even non-food businesses can join by sharing facts about maize’s economic or historical significance on their social media, encouraging community engagement.
Maize Day FAQs
When is Maize Day?
Maize Day 2026 falls on Saturday, November 28, the day after Thanksgiving, making it a perfect weekend for corn-themed culinary adventures.
What is the difference between maize and corn?
Maize is the botanical term for the grain, while ‘corn’ is the more common name, especially in North America. Both terms refer to the same plant, Zea mays, which is a staple crop globally.
How many types of maize are there?
There are six main types of maize: dent corn, flint corn, popcorn, sweet corn, flour corn, and pod corn. Each type has unique characteristics and uses, from industrial applications to direct consumption.
Is maize a healthy food?
Yes, maize is a healthy food, rich in fiber, vitamins (like B vitamins), and minerals (such as magnesium and phosphorus). It also contains antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being.
How to Observe Maize Day
Pop some popcorn
Making popcorn on National Maize day is a yummy way to celebrate. Everyone loves popcorn (especially children), and the best part is you can make it on a stovetop.
Cook maize meals
There are many tasty recipes to choose from: corn soup, corn burgers, corn fritters, corn tarts, corn, and jalapeno poppers. The list is endless, so get your pans out and give everyone an experience!
Drink maize beverages
Try out maize-based drinks. They vary from smoothies and teas to whiskey and beer, so there's something for everyone.
5 Jaw-Dropping Facts About Maize
Corn or coffee
Maize was a popular substitute for coffee in the 1800s.
Every row is equal
A cob has an even number on each row.
A major source of biofuel
Maize can produce ethanol and other biofuels.
Animals consume more
Animals eat more maize than humans do.
Whiskey is made with maize
Alcoholic beverages like bourbon whiskey are made from distilled and fermented maize.
Why Maize Day is Important
Maize is healthy and great for the eyes
Maize is packed with assorted vitamins and minerals, and it supports a gluten-free diet and fortifies bone density. As a decent source of lutein and zeaxanthin, maize also helps maintain your eye health.
It’s a good day to binge on yummy popcorn
From vegan and dairy-free to buttery and full-cream, National Maize Day is the perfect opportunity to enjoy popcorn. Making popcorn on National Maize Day is the first thing you must do.
Maize has played a significant role in history
Maize helped the Mesoamerican people to survive. This cultural significance of maize is seen in Mesoamerican art, myths, and rituals. People were so dependent on the maize crops that the Maya and Olmecs believed in a maize god, Hun Hunahpu.
Maize Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 28 | Friday |
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