Pizza Pie Day

Pizza Pie Day, also commonly known as National Pizza Day and National Pizza Pie Day, is a day for eating pizza. Pie-shaped flatbreads with toppings were first eaten in Naples in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. At the time, this coastal city was not part of Italy, but its own kingdom. The working poor, or lazzaroni, lived outside or in small homes, and needed cheap food. Pizza consisted of flatbread with toppings such as tomatoes, garlic, cheese, anchovies, and oil, and it was sold by street vendors and informal restaurants, and eaten for any meal.

Pizza did not gain a foothold in Italy at the time, and it was in the United States, where Neapolitans immigrated to, that pizza gained in popularity. The first pizzeria in the United States was Lombardi's, which was started in New York City in 1905. Lombardi's is still in business, and although it is in a new location, the original oven is still in use. Neapolitans brought pizza to many other cities, including Trenton, New Haven, St. Louis, Chicago, and Boston. Pizza became popular all over the country, especially following World War II. Many styles of crusts and different toppings became popular in different regions. Eventually, pizza made its way back to Italy, as well as to other parts of the world.

How to Observe

Celebrate the day by eating pizza! Enjoy one at a pizzeria, or make one at home. Check around for deals, as some local restaurants and national chains have specials on the day.



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