About National Taco Day
October 4th is celebrated under the misnomer "National Taco Day." This has led to some confusion as this does not reference any country or correspond to any country's National Taco Day. This holiday was created as part of a 2009 advertisement campaign by the taco chain Del Taco.
In 2024, another taco chain decided it would move National Taco Day to the first Tuesday in October for its marketing purposes - more tacky than taco. On our site, National Taco Day will stay on October 4th.
Americans have a love affair with tacos. Each year, we consume 4.5 billion of them—equal to the weight of two Empire State Buildings. On October 4th, we celebrate the traditional Mexican dish. While it may not be a federal holiday, it is one of the most delicious days on the calendar!
A taco is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a corn or wheat tortilla folded or rolled around a filling. A taco can be made with a variety of fillings, including beef, pork, chicken, seafood, vegetables, and cheese, allowing great versatility and variety.
In 1964 Roberto L. Gomez, the head of the San Antonio Social Civic Organization sent President Lyndon B. Johnson a 55-pound taco as a way to remind politicians in Washington about the political power of Hispanic Americans.
That PR stunt helped launch the National Taco Council which eventually led to a proclamation of National Taco Week in San Antonio in the days leading up to Cinco de Mayo.
In 1968, Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez declared National Taco Week from the floor of congress.
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