International Bacon Day is a beloved unofficial food holiday dedicated to celebrating bacon in all its savory glory. Always observed on the first Saturday in September (just before US Labor Day), it brings together bacon enthusiasts worldwide for indulgent meals, creative culinary creations, and festive social events.
When is International Bacon Day?
This year, International Bacon Day falls on Saturday, 6 September 2026, continuing the tradition of celebrating on the first Saturday before Labor Day in the United States.
What Is International Bacon Day?
The holiday celebrates the rich, smoky flavor of bacon—a cured pork product derived from the belly or back of a pig—highlighting its versatility in countless recipes, from savory mains to sweet treats. It’s a day for bacon fans to gather, cook, taste, and share their passion for this flavorful favorite.
History and Origins
- Ancient Beginnings: Bacon has existed for centuries, with records of pork belly curing in China as far back as 1500 BC. The practice spread through Egypt and Rome, making bacon one of the oldest prepared meats in human history.
- Evolution of the Term: The word “bacon” comes from Middle English “bacoun,” which originally referred to all pork. It wasn’t until the 16th century that it came to mean the cured meat we know today.
- Modern Celebration: International Bacon Day was initiated in the early 2000s by university students in the United States, particularly at the University of Colorado Boulder and Bucknell University. They picked the date to ensure the holiday always falls on a weekend.
- Going Global: Thanks to social media, the celebration quickly spread worldwide. Today, bacon lovers in many countries mark the day with festivals, themed parties, and culinary experiments.
Why It Matters
Beyond its taste, bacon has become a pop culture icon. Known as the core of “bacon mania,” it has inspired countless products—bacon-wrapped delicacies, bacon-flavored desserts, bacon-scented candles, and even bacon-themed apparel. The holiday offers a moment to embrace culinary creativity and the joy of sharing flavorful experiences with others.
Global Bacon Variations
- American Bacon: Cut from pork belly and known for its crispy texture and rich marbling.
- British/Canadian Bacon: Made from pork loin, this version is leaner and often closer to ham in appearance and taste.
- Pancetta: An Italian, salt-cured pork belly that is usually unsmoked and used in dishes like pasta carbonara.
- Guanciale: Cured pork jowl used in Italian cooking for a fattier, more flavorful result.
- Speck: A juniper-flavored smoked ham popular in Germany and Austria, often considered a cousin of bacon.
How to Celebrate
- Cook a Feast: Whether frying, baking, or grilling, try different preparations. Go beyond breakfast and incorporate bacon into appetizers, main courses, and even desserts.
- Bacon Tasting Party: Host a get-together featuring multiple bacon varieties and international styles—perfect for a flavorful comparison.
- Create Themed Dishes: Invent or follow recipes like bacon-wrapped jalapeños, candied bacon, or bacon-topped doughnuts.
- Attend a Festival: Events like the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival in Iowa draw thousands with tastings, contests, and entertainment all focused on bacon.
- Engage Online: Share your creations on social media, host a bacon meme competition, or watch a bacon-themed cooking show or film (maybe even one starring Kevin Bacon!).
Notable Festival – Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival
This iconic annual event in Des Moines, Iowa, began in 2008 and attracts over 10,000 attendees each year. The festival features bacon tastings from dozens of vendors, bacon-eating contests, educational panels, live music, and a quirky costume parade—all centered around bacon appreciation.
Fun Facts
- On average, Americans consume about 18 pounds of bacon per person each year.
- During World War II, bacon fat was saved and used to make explosives due to its glycerin content.
- Bacon has even made it into space—NASA has included bacon cubes in astronauts’ rations.
Relevant Hashtags
#InternationalBaconDay #BaconLovers #BaconMania #BaconFest
Relevant Links
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