National Gumbo Day

National Gumbo Day is celebrated every year on October 12. On this day, it’s time to enjoy gumbo, Louisiana’s official dish. Gumbo typically features a savory broth with shellfish and meat, celery, bell peppers, okra, onions, and plenty of aromatic spices.

History

Gumbo has been a part of American cuisine since the early 19th century with the arrival of English settlers. It soon became Louisiana’s signature dish and is now featured in restaurants across the state in two main varieties: Cajun Gumbo and Creole Gumbo.

The exact origin of National Gumbo Day is unknown. Since 1989, the city of New Iberia in Louisiana has hosted an annual Gumbo CookOff championship, which draws crowds and generates about $2 million for the state’s economy. The event was only canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Interesting Facts

• In 1802, American surgeon John Sibley wrote a review of the “thick soup” gumbo, one of the earliest mentions of the dish in history.
• Mary Randolph’s Virginia Housewife (1824) included a version of gumbo, which she called a “West Indian dish.”
• In 1972, after the death of Louisiana Senator Allen Ellender, a local restaurant added Creole gumbo to its menu as a permanent dish.
• Okra, one of gumbo’s main ingredients, was first used as food in the 12th century AD in what is now Ethiopia.

How to Take Part

To celebrate the holiday, cook gumbo at home for your family. If you have leftovers, don’t worry—chefs say gumbo tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to blend. Be sure to share a photo of your creation on social media with the hashtag #NationalGumboDay.

When is National Gumbo Day in 2025?

National Gumbo Day is observed on October 12 each year.

Observations