National Ravioli Day

National Ravioli Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to ravioli. This type of Italian pasta consists of small dough pockets filled with various ingredients. Ravioli are enjoyed not only in Italy, but also in the United States and many other countries around the world. The holiday is observed on March 20.

History

The exact origins of National Ravioli Day are unknown. It is believed that the holiday was introduced by fans of this classic dish to popularize it and share their appreciation with others.

The history of ravioli dates back to the sixteenth century. References to this type of pasta appear in the writings of the Italian merchant Francesco di Marco. The original filling is believed to have consisted of minced meat mixed with aromatic herbs that were briefly blanched. Cheese and beaten eggs were also added to the mixture.

Today, there are countless variations of ravioli. Fillings may include seafood, fish, vegetables, or cheese. Sweet versions with chocolate, caramel, or cream turn ravioli into desserts. In some recipes, ravioli are not boiled but fried in hot oil or baked in the oven.

Interesting Facts

• Frozen, ready-made ravioli are widely available in stores and can be stored for several months. Freshly made ravioli should be kept refrigerated and eaten within two or three days.
• Many cultures have dishes similar to ravioli. Examples include pelmeni and dumplings in Slavic cuisine and khinkali in Georgian cuisine.
• In Italy, it is traditional on Fridays to serve ravioli with vegetarian fillings made only from plant-based ingredients and herbs.

How to Take Part

Visit cafés or restaurants that specialize in Italian cuisine and enjoy classic ravioli dishes. You can also prepare ravioli at home using one of the many recipes available online.

Share information about National Ravioli Day on social media and ask others when they first tried ravioli and what impression the dish made on them.

When is National Ravioli Day in 2026?

National Ravioli Day is observed on March 20 each year.

Observations