National Pupusa Day

National Pupusa Day is observed on the second Sunday of November each year. The day celebrates pupusas, one of El Salvador’s best-known traditional foods and an important symbol of Salvadoran culture. These thick, handmade flatbreads are commonly filled with cheese, beans, seasoned pork, or other ingredients and served with tomato sauce and curtido, a tangy cabbage slaw.

History of National Pupusa Day

Pupusas have deep roots in El Salvador and are associated with the Indigenous peoples who lived in the region before European colonization. Early versions were made from corn dough and filled with locally available ingredients, including beans, squash, and herbs.

The dish remained an important part of everyday Salvadoran cooking for generations. During the late 20th century, migration from El Salvador helped introduce pupusas to a wider international audience, particularly in the United States and other countries with large Salvadoran communities.

In 2005, El Salvador officially designated the second Sunday of November as National Pupusa Day. The annual observance recognizes the cultural and economic importance of the dish and is marked by food festivals, community gatherings, and public events.

Interesting Facts About National Pupusa Day

• Pupusas are traditionally made from corn masa, although rice flour is also used in some regions.
• Common fillings include cheese, refried beans, chicharrón, squash, and the edible flower bud known as loroco.
• A pupusa filled with cheese, beans, and pork is often called a pupusa revuelta.
• Pupusas are usually cooked on a flat griddle called a comal.
• They are traditionally served with curtido and a mild tomato sauce.
• The Salvadoran town of Olocuilta is especially known for pupusas made with rice flour.
• In 2024, a pupusa measuring more than 20 feet in diameter set a Guinness World Record in Washington, D.C.

How to Take Part in National Pupusa Day

Celebrate National Pupusa Day by visiting a Salvadoran restaurant or pupusería and trying several traditional fillings. You can also make pupusas at home, prepare your own curtido, or invite friends and family to share a meal. Learning about Salvadoran food traditions and supporting Salvadoran-owned businesses are other meaningful ways to take part.

When Is National Pupusa Day in 2026?

National Pupusa Day is observed on the second Sunday of November each year.

Observations