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FriApr 26

National Pretzel Day – April 26, 2024

If you love a Pretzel, then National Pretzel Day on on April 26 is the day for you. Pretzels, somewhat surprisingly, got their start in the Catholic Church. Sometime around the 7th Century A.D., monks presented their students with treats of baked dough twisted in the shape of crossed arms. At the time, crossing one’s arms was the traditional posture for prayer. Not only that, but pretzels, made from water, flour and salt, were also the perfect food for Lent — when meat, dairy and eggs were prohibited. So there you have some National Pretzel Day history — with a twist!

When is National Pretzel Day 2024?

The delicious knot-looped snack we all love is enjoyed on National Pretzel Day on April 26.

History of National Pretzel Day

The origin of the pretzel dates back to 7th-century Catholic churches. The rules of abstinence and fasting during Lent were much stricter than today, forbidding Catholics from consuming dairy, eggs, or meat. This led to the creation of pretzels, which were the perfect food to eat without violating any rules, and they were easy to prepare. 

The unique knotted shape of pretzels became a symbol of union in Switzerland in 1614, with weddings of royal couples featuring pretzels to represent the bond of matrimony. According to legend, this may also be where we get the phrase “tying the knot” from.  The shape of a pretzel is also thought to signify joined hands during prayer.

Today, pretzels are enjoyed as a snack and are a popular item on concession stands at carnivals, charcuterie boards, and all types of events. Hard pretzels are a relatively new invention, considered to have been first created in Pennsylvania by German immigrants. 

For this reason, pretzels are so beloved to Pennsylvanians, that the Governor of Pennsylvania Ed Rendell established April 26 as National Pretzel Day in 2003. Also, Pennsylvanians eat more pretzels per capita than any other state in the United States.

 

National Pretzel Day timeline

610 A.D.
Created for Praise

Many believe that the pretzel was created by an Italian monk, who’d reward children for learning their prayers.

17th century
Well, It Looks Like a Heart

The intertwined loops of the pretzel symbolize love in some parts of the world.

1800s
Pretzels Go Global

Swiss and German immigrants introduce the pretzel to North America.

1850
Open For Business

The first proper pretzel bakery opens in Lititz, Pennsylvania.

Pretzels By The Numbers

$550 million — the annual worth of the pretzel industry in the United States. 

1.5 pounds — the average consumption of pretzels by the average American per year. 

1993 — the year when Philadelphia opened a privately run Pretzel Museum.

1850 — The year when hard pretzels were first introduced in the United States. 

12 — the number of times more that pretzels are consumed by the average Philadelphian as opposed to the national average. 

National Pretzel Day FAQs

What day is the Office Pretzel Day?

April 26 is National Pretzel Day. Pretzels were popularly featured in the third season of “The Office,” and have since become a tradition for every Dunder Mifflin fan. 

Who started National Pretzel Day?

Despite speculation, no one knows who started National Pretzel Day for sure. 

What is Pretzel Sunday?

Pretzel Sunday, or ‘Bretzelsonndeg’, is a celebration of love taking place on the fourth Sunday of Lent. On this day, a man offers a pretzel to his lover as a token of his love.

National Pretzel Day Activities

  1. Go Bavarian

    Did you need an excuse to head to your nearest 'biergarten'? You have one now. What better way to showcase pretzels, than with some good mustard, beer, and friends?

  2. Pretzel crawl

    Chances are, there are many restaurants and bars in your area showing off their pretzel prowess. Why not make a night of it and test out the local options?

  3. DIY(P)

    Watch one of the many YouTube videos and make your own pretzels. You'll be left feeling very satisfied at the end.

5 Irresistible Facts About Pretzels

  1. Their original name

    Pretzels were originally named ‘bracellae’ after the Latin term for “little arms.”

  2. The best of Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania produces 80% of the country’s hard and soft pretzels.

  3. A month-long celebration

    October is celebrated as National Pretzel Month.

  4. The first pretzel bakery

    Julius Sturgis opened the first commercial pretzel bakery in Lititz, Pennsylvania, in 1861.

  5. Pretzel accident

    President George W. Bush was eating a pretzel in the White House when he choked and lost consciousness in 2002.

Why We Love National Pretzel Day

  1. One word: Carbs

    There's something oh-so satisfying about the carb-y insides, the toothsome exterior crust, the crunchy salt on top. Pretzels bring together a bunch of taste sensations that make it a very enjoyable snack—anytime of day.

  2. Two words: Dipping sauce

    Pretzels are just fun to eat. Hard or soft, and on their own. But they really go to the next level when you pair them with things like peanut butter, cheese sauce, mustard, and chocolate.

  3. They're cheap, too

    Most pretzels, wherever you are, don't cost more than $5. Whether you're at the park, office, or mall — this handy snack can power you through the day.

National Pretzel Day dates

YearDateDay
2024April 26Friday
2025April 26Saturday
2026April 26Sunday
2027April 26Monday
2028April 26Wednesday

Let’s get social

Here are some special hashtags for the day.

#NationalPretzelDay #Pretzels #ThesePretzelsAreMakingMeThirsty #PretzelDay #PretzelLove

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