Celebrating National BagelFest Day: A Tasty Tradition! (July 26th)

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Did you know there’s a whole day dedicated to celebrating bagels?

It’s called National BagelFest Day, and it happens every year on July 26th! This special day is all about enjoying the delicious, round, and chewy bread we know and love as bagels. Whether you like them plain, with cream cheese, or loaded with toppings, National BagelFest Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite bagel treat.

The Origins of National BagelFest Day

National BagelFest Day started in Mattoon, Illinois, back in 1986. Murray Lender, who was the head of Lender’s Bagels (one of the biggest bagel companies in the U.S.), came up with the idea. He wanted to celebrate the bagel and its growing popularity across the country. What began as a local celebration in a small town quickly grew into a national event, as people all over the United States joined in to honor this tasty treat.

Ways to Honor and Celebrate National BagelFest Day

There are many fun and delicious ways to celebrate National BagelFest Day. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Visit a Local Bagel Shop: Head to your favorite local bagel shop and treat yourself to a freshly baked bagel. Try a new flavor or stick to your classic favorite.
Make Homemade Bagels: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making bagels at home. There are plenty of recipes online, and it can be a fun project for a lazy Sunday morning.
Bagel Topping Party: Host a bagel-topping party with friends and family. Set out different kinds of bagels and a variety of toppings like cream cheese, smoked salmon, tomatoes, onions, and capers. Everyone can create their perfect bagel.
Learn About Bagel History: Spend some time learning about the history of bagels. Did you know bagels have been around since the 1600s? They originated in Poland and became popular in the United States with the arrival of Jewish immigrants.
Share on Social Media: Post pictures of your bagel creations on social media using the hashtag #NationalBagelFestDay. It’s a great way to connect with other bagel lovers and see what creative ideas others have come up with.

Interesting Facts About Bagels

Bagels are unique because they are boiled before they are baked, giving them their distinctive chewy texture.
The word “bagel” comes from the Yiddish word “beygel,” which means “ring.”
In the 1970s, bagels became more popular in the U.S. thanks to the introduction of pre-packaged bagels that could be found in supermarkets.

C o n v e r s a t i o n S t a r t e r s

How do you think the process of boiling and baking affects the taste and texture of bagels compared to other breads?
What are some unique toppings you think would be delicious on a bagel that you haven’t tried yet?
How do cultural foods like bagels become popular in different parts of the world?

So, on July 26th, make sure to grab a bagel and join in the celebration of National BagelFest Day. Whether you’re enjoying a classic bagel with cream cheese or experimenting with new flavors and toppings, it’s a day to appreciate this delightful and versatile food. Happy BagelFest Day!