International Bacon Day

International Bacon Day is an unofficial food holiday observed on the first Saturday of September. It celebrates bacon in all its crispy, smoky, savory forms and gives fans an excuse to enjoy it at breakfast, in sandwiches, on burgers, or as part of creative recipes. Although different bacon-themed days appear on some calendars, International Bacon Day is most commonly marked in early September.

History of International Bacon Day

Bacon has a long culinary history. Preserving pork with salt and smoke has been practiced for thousands of years, with early forms of cured pork appearing in ancient China and later in Europe. Over time, bacon became a familiar food in many countries, especially in Britain and North America.

Pigs were brought to the Americas by European explorers and settlers, helping pork become an important part of American food culture. International Bacon Day is often traced to 2004, when students in the United States helped popularize the modern observance as a fun celebration of bacon and bacon-inspired dishes.

Interesting Facts About International Bacon Day

• The word “bacon” once referred more broadly to pork before its meaning became more specific.
• In the United States, bacon usually refers to cured pork belly, while Canadian bacon is commonly made from pork loin.
• Bacon can be smoked over different woods, such as hickory, applewood, or maple, to create different flavors.
• During World War II, some American households saved used cooking fat, including bacon grease, because it could be processed for wartime materials.
• Bacon is used in many dishes, from breakfast plates and BLTs to salads, burgers, baked potatoes, and even sweet-and-salty desserts.

How to Take Part in International Bacon Day

Celebrate International Bacon Day by cooking a favorite bacon dish or trying a new recipe. You might make a classic breakfast, add bacon to a sandwich, prepare bacon-wrapped appetizers, or use it as a topping for soup, salad, or pizza.

You can also host a bacon-themed meal with friends or family, compare different smoked varieties, or try plant-based bacon alternatives if you do not eat pork. The day is informal, so the best way to take part is simply to enjoy the flavor in a way that suits you.

When Is International Bacon Day in 2026?

International Bacon Day is observed on the first Saturday of September each year.

Observations