National Carbonara Day is celebrated each year in Italy on April 6. And why not, it is, after all, one of the best-known Italian dishes. And it’s loved by people the world over. The day brings great joy to Italians, foodies, and pasta lovers who simply can’t seem to get enough of the dish. Deceptively simple to look at and extremely delicious, a good spaghetti carbonara needs time and patience to taste and look just right. It can be paired with wines, soft drinks, and even iced tea and coffee. The dish is filling, nutritious, and easy to eat.
History of National Carbonara Day
National Carbonara Day is a brand new holiday. The first National Carbonara Day was celebrated in 2017 by Barilla Pasta, a brand that makes pasta and pasta sauce. It was their way to pay homage to Italy’s greatest export and one of the most beloved dishes across the world.
There are a number of hypotheses about how the carbonara came to be. It is believed that the dish was invented by Apennine charcoal makers who would prepare themselves a filling meal using readily available ingredients. Others believe it was Ancel Keys, the “inventor” of the Mediterranean diet, who created a dish of egg yolk powder and bacon with spaghetti to increase the carbohydrate intake of the American soldiers during the Second World War. The point is, we don’t really know who invented the carbonara!
For purists, a good carbonara should contain only five ingredients: bacon, cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. That’s a deceptively simple list and if you think you can add anything else, you might receive some stern looks from the purists. Many people do not even use olive oil or any fat really because well-cut bacon will melt and provide enough fat and taste during the cooking process. But of course, there is no hard and fast rule to cooking carbonara. Some leeway is always allowed. People always figure out their personal choice in pasta, tastes, and family habits. Pasta carbonara is low in spice, easy to make, and quite healthy. You can pack it to work or enjoy it piping hot at home – it’s delicious every way!
National Carbonara Day timeline
Pasta-making scenes are painted in Etruscan tombs.
Marco Polo introduces pasta to Italy.
President Thomas Jefferson is credited with inventing the macaroni machine.
The first industrial pasta factory pops up in America.
National Carbonara Day FAQs
What is the history of carbonara?
Though the origins of carbonara are not clear, the very first traces of a carbonara recipe date back to the 1940s. Some say its birth is linked to the charcoal burners in the Apennines, while others attribute it to American soldiers who arrived in Italy during World War II.
How is carbonara made?
Carbonara is made with eggs, hard cheese, cured pork, and black pepper.
Who invented pasta?
While some historians believe pasta originated in Italy, most are convinced Marco Polo actually brought it back from his epic voyage to China.
National Carbonara Day Activities
Pull out the family recipe
Every family has its own carbonara recipe. On National Carbonara Day, ask your elders to share the family recipe for carbonara. This is a great way to get in touch with your roots and enjoy your own version of the carbonara.
Treat yourself to carbonara
On National Carbonara Day, treat yourself to a delicious plate of carbonara. You can whip up the recipe for one of your meals, order in, or head to your favorite Italian restaurant.
Call your friends over
Get your friends to celebrate National Carbonara Day too! Ask them to come over and get together for a carbonara meal. Everyone can prepare their own version of the carbonara and have a potluck dinner.
5 Tantalizing Facts About Pasta
It is made with a particular kind of flour
Pasta is usually made from durum wheat flour.
Some pastas are more popular than others
The three most popular pasta shapes are penne, spaghetti, and macaroni.
There are mainly two types of pasta
They are dry and fresh.
A specific name
The Italian style of cooking pasta is called “al dente.”
Italians love pasta
Italians eat 60 pounds of pasta, per person, per year.
Why We Love National Carbonara Day
Everyone loves carbonara
National Carbonara Day celebrates spaghetti carbonara — a pasta dish that everyone loves. Eating pasta, revising the recipes, and sharing the recipe is a great way to celebrate the day.
An easy recipe
Spaghetti carbonara is an easy recipe that can be made with very few ingredients. These ingredients are affordable and easily available. National Carbonara Day also celebrates a dish that can be easily created by anyone.
A day to get together
The best way to celebrate National Carbonara Day is by sharing the dish with your loved ones. The day also allows us to get together with our friends and share a meal together.
National Carbonara Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 6 | Sunday |
| 2026 | April 6 | Monday |
| 2027 | April 6 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | April 6 | Thursday |
| 2029 | April 6 | Friday |
