National Bagelfest Day is celebrated on July 26 to recognize the scrumptious bread that is light and tasty. Yes, not everyone likes the mass-produced bread available at stores, and would rather resort to a fresh bagel, baked at a bakery. Did you know the bagel is the only bread that is boiled before being baked? Well, it’s facts like these and more that National Bagelfest Day is all about. All you need is an empty stomach, caffeine, and an endless interest in bagels.
History of National Bagelfest Day
National Bagelfest Day is a celebration that started in Mattoon, Illinois. The idea for the event was introduced by Murray Lender, the man who owns the Bagel Factory and Lender’s Bagels. It all started in 1986 when Murray decided to host a breakfast for the people of his town in Mattoon. From that day onwards, National Bagelfest Day has been celebrated to honor bagels and the different flavors they have brought to the usual breakfast menu. Today, this event has evolved into a festival that includes a parade, live music, a Miss Bagelfest Contest, lots of fun, and of course, bagels!
But before you start munching on some bagels, let’s find out a bit more about their history. Bagels are a bread product that originated from the Jewish communities of Poland. They were officially mentioned for the first time in an Arabic cookbook from the 13th century. The spread of bagels across the world also took time and the breakfast item did not reach England until the 19th century. The exquisite bread was brought into America by Polish Jews that had migrated to the region. These immigrants then became owners of a popular bagel business called Bagel Bakers Local 338. It is also important to note that the sizes of bagels have evolved over time and have greatly increased. For instance, an average bagel was three ounces in 1915 but weighed around six ounces by 2003.
National Bagelfest Day timeline
The bagel becomes a staple in Polish cuisine.
The ‘bagel brunch’ becomes popular in New York City.
New York welcomes its first bagel bakery.
The world’s largest bagel, weighing 393.7 kilograms is created.
National Bagelfest Day FAQs
What is so special about bagels?
Bagels are crunchy, chewy, and much more delicious than bread.
What are bagels called in England?
In numerous regions of England, bagels are spelled as ‘beigels.’
Are bagels healthier than bread?
Yes. Bagels are healthier than bread since they are denser and have fewer calories.
National Bagelfest Day Activities
Order some bagels
To celebrate the day, order some bagels and enjoy them for breakfast or tea with your family. Don’t forget to share the pictures on social media.
Bake a bagel
Bake some yummy bagels of your own by selecting a recipe from the internet. Live-stream your baking experience for all your followers to watch and learn!
Create a bagel recipe book
Experiment with different bagels and create a small cookbook. You might just end up creating a unique bagel of your own.
5 Fun Facts You Need To Know About Bagels
Derived from a German word
The German word for ‘bagel’ is ‘bougel,’ which means ‘bracelet.’
Ties with the Jewish community
Bagels are served on Saturday night after Sabbath in Jewish communities.
The astronaut who loved bagels
Gregory Chamitoff’s cargo for the voyage to the International Space Station included 18 sesame bagels.
Another name
Bagels are also called ‘the cement doughnuts.’
The most expensive bagel in the world
The most expensive bagel in the world is sold at the Westin Hotel and costs $1,000.
Why We Love National Bagelfest Day
It brings bagels to the forefront
It brings the simple, yet famous bread product to the forefront. This can increase the market for bagels and give rise to new businesses with interesting recipes.
A great day for pastry chefs
On this day, party chefs who excel in the art of bagel-making can actually showcase their skills to the world.
A fun day to eat bagels
If you decide to check out different bagel places with your friends, this day could turn out to be extremely fun.
National Bagelfest Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | July 26 | Friday |
| 2025 | July 26 | Saturday |
| 2026 | July 26 | Sunday |
| 2027 | July 26 | Monday |
| 2028 | July 26 | Wednesday |
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