If you can’t stand the heat, then heck, just embrace it. This May, celebrate National Barbecue Month in style and enjoy the culinary art that embraces the spirit of friends, family, and fun in the sun. With techniques including smoking, roasting, baking, braising and grilling, barbecuing offers endless possibilities to fire up your favorite dish and satisfy all as you kick off summer. Note: No one is really sure when barbecuing was first invented. It has evolved over time to become the more social event now common, however its origins are unknown.
National Barbecue Month timeline
Barbecues become one of the main forms of public celebration — especially on July 4.
Samuel Johnson's 1756 dictionary gave the following definition: "Barbecue — a hog dressed whole."
Gonzalo Fernández De Oviedo y Valdés, a Spanish explorer, was the first to use the word "barbecoa" in print in Spain.
National Barbecue Month Activities
Play tag
Barbecueing is an all-inclusive activity. Need a break? Just grab the nearest observer, tag out for a breather and take your turn making a dent in the dinner spread.
Try different dishes
The traditional food typically associated with barbecueing is meat, but feel free to experiment with an assortment of vegetables and even desserts. Fried pineapple? Yes please!
Ask about new recipes
Like any other cooking technique, everyone has their own unique style of barbecueing. Allow yourself to be open to new ideas and methods, and you will almost certainly stumble upon a new favorite dish.
5 Sizzling Facts About Barbecueing
Barbecueing can last a very, very long time
Depending on what is getting cooked, barbecuing times can vary a great deal. Some slow barbecuing techniques can take as many as 18 hours or longer.
Barbecues can be enormous
The longest barbecue measured 8,000 meters in Bayambang, Pangasinan, Philippines in 2014.
Barbecue style is regional
Barbecue varies by region, with the four main styles named after their place of origin: Memphis, North Carolina, Kansas City, and Texas.
“Barbecue” applies to other foods
It doesn't just mean grilled meats. The term barbecue is also used to designate a flavor added to food items — think potato chips.
It can be "barbeque" or "barbecue"
There are few words in the English language that have more variations of spelling than barbecue. Some barbecue joints spell it with a French influence, as "barbeque." Technically speaking however, in English, it is officially spelled “barbecue”.
Why We Love National Barbecue Month
It makes cooking an event
Unlike inside parties, where you might hear “get out of my kitchen," barbecueing invites guests to participate in the cooking event. Onlookers gather to show their approval and admiration, and chefs get the pleasure of cooking with an audience.
Barbecuing has flair
Barbecueing flirts with each of the five senses — enticing hunger through seduction. Just thinking of the smell conjures up memories of the whole scene: the sun on your neck, classic rock in your ears, and delicious pulled pork on your taste buds.
It embraces the elements
While warm sun and a cool breeze are ideal conditions, barbecuing knows no limitations. No matter the weather, fire up the grill, and enjoy the great outdoors.
National Barbecue Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 1 | Monday |
| 2029 | May 1 | Tuesday |
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