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National Pizza With Everything (Except Anchovies) Day November 12

National Pizza With Everything (Except Anchovies) Day November 12

Imagine a day dedicated to celebrating the glory of pizza, but with a twist: everything goes on top except for one particular ingredient. Welcome to National Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day, a unique celebration that takes place every November 12th. This day is a testament to the universal love for pizza, allowing enthusiasts to pile on their favorite toppings, all while giving anchovies the cold shoulder. Why exclude anchovies, you might ask? Despite their status as a traditional topping, these little fish often split the room with their bold, salty flavor. This holiday, though not officially recognized, has carved out its own niche among food lovers on social media, celebrating the rich history and versatility of pizza. From its humble beginnings in Naples, Italy, to becoming a global phenomenon, pizza has come a long way. On this day, the spotlight is on the endless possibilities of toppings, ensuring everyone can indulge in their perfect slice, minus the anchovies.

Key Takeaway

National Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day is an unofficial food holiday celebrated on November 12, where people enjoy pizza loaded with various toppings, excluding anchovies.
Pizza has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations, and this day allows pizza lovers to celebrate the dish's versatility and customization options without the divisive topping of anchovies.

Timeline

1957
First Pizza Margherita in the U.S.
Celebrity chef Boyardee serves the first Pizza Margherita in the United States at the World's Fair in New York.
1962
Pizza with Everything
The concept of 'pizza with everything' becomes popular in American culture, with toppings including vegetables, meats, and even fruits.
1980
Anchovies Controversy
The debate over anchovies on pizza begins, with some people loving them and others hating them.
2009
National Pizza With Everything (Except Anchovies) Day
The unofficial holiday of National Pizza With Everything (Except Anchovies) Day is created and celebrated annually on November 12.

Day Activities

  1. Kick-off the day with a pizza-making party: Gather friends or family and roll out dough for a DIY pizza extravaganza. Everyone can bring their favorite toppings, ensuring a smorgasbord of flavors, minus the anchovies, of course. It's a hands-on way to dive into the spirit of this quirky holiday, fostering creativity and camaraderie in the kitchen.

  2. Host a pizza topping scavenger hunt: Before the oven heats up, why not add a dash of adventure? Create a list of potential pizza toppings and send participants on a mission around town or the grocery store to find them. This activity not only spices up the prep process but also introduces folks to new and unusual ingredients they might not have considered slapping on their pie before.

  3. Organize a virtual pizza party: In today's connected world, not everyone can be in the same place at the same time. So, fire up a video call and invite friends from far and wide to join in. Each person can share their unique creation on screen, showcasing the diversity of pizza without the polarizing anchovies. It's a modern twist on breaking bread together, proving that distance doesn't dampen the deliciousness of shared culinary experiences.

Why We Love This Day

  • Celebrating pizza's versatility is a big reason why we love National Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day. Let's face it, pizza is practically a universal language of yum. On November 12, we get to honor this iconic dish by piling on all our favorite toppings, minus the anchovies, of course. Whether you're a fan of classic pepperoni, love a bit of pineapple controversy, or want to load up on every veggie under the sun, this day is all about celebrating pizza in its most gloriously loaded form.

  • Uniting pizza lovers across the globe, regardless of their topping preferences, is what makes this day stand out. Not everyone can agree on what belongs on a pizza, but on November 12, we set aside our differences (and our anchovies) to celebrate what we all love about pizza: its ability to bring people together. Sharing a slice (or five) with friends or family, debating the best combinations, and discovering new favorites make this day a slice of heaven for pizza aficionados everywhere.

  • Highlighting the rich history of pizza, from its humble beginnings to its status as a global favorite, adds depth to our appreciation for this day. Pizza's journey from a simple dish for Naples' working class to an international sensation is a testament to its universal appeal. By celebrating National Pizza with Everything (Except Anchovies) Day, we're not just indulging in deliciousness; we're also paying homage to a dish that has stood the test of time, adapting and evolving while remaining beloved by millions.

Past & Future Dates

MonthDayYear
NOVEMBER122022
NOVEMBER122023
NOVEMBER122024
NOVEMBER122025
NOVEMBER122026
NOVEMBER122027
NOVEMBER122028

FAQ

What is today National Pizza Day?

National Pizza Day falls on February 9 every year - a day dedicated to celebrating one of the most beloved foods worldwide.

Is National Pizza Day a real thing?

Yes, National Pizza Day is a genuine celebration, taking place annually on February 9, marking a day for pizza lovers everywhere to indulge in their favorite slices.

Is there more than one National Pizza Day?

While February 9 reigns supreme as National Pizza Day, pizza enthusiasts can revel in several other days too: National Cheese Pizza Day on September 5, National Pepperoni Pizza Day on September 20, National Pizza Month all October long, and National Sausage Pizza Day on October 11.

Is there a national pizza day around the world?

Absolutely, pizzas are savored globally, leading to the celebration of World Pizza Day each February 9. Notably, pizza varies significantly from one country to another, showcasing the universal love for this versatile dish.



Also Happens on November 12

On This Day in History — November 12

  • 2015 — Two suicide bombers detonated explosives in Bourj el-Barajneh, Beirut, killing 43 people and injuring over 200 others.
  • 2014 — The Philae lander, deployed from the European Space Agency's Rosetta probe, reaches the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.
  • 2011 — Silvio Berlusconi tenders his resignation as Prime Minister of Italy, effective November 16, due in large part to the European sovereign debt crisis.
  • 2011 — A blast in Iran's Shahid Modarres missile base leads to the death of 17 of the Revolutionary Guards members, including Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, a key figure in Iran's missile program.
  • 2003 — Iraq War: In Nasiriyah, Iraq, at least 23 people, among them the first Italian casualties of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, are killed in a suicide bomb attack on an Italian police base.
  • 2003 — Shanghai Transrapid sets a new world speed record (501 kilometres per hour (311 mph)) for commercial railway systems, which remains the fastest for unmodified commercial rail vehicles.

More about history on this day →

Notable Births on November 12

  • 1994 — Guillaume Cizeron, French ice dancer
  • 1993 — Luguelín Santos, Dominican sprinter
  • 1992 — Trey Burke, American basketball player
  • 1992 — Adam Larsson, Swedish ice hockey player
  • 1991 — Gijs Van Hoecke, Belgian cyclist
  • 1990 — Florent Manaudou, French swimmer

Notable Deaths on November 12

  • 2016 — Lupita Tovar, Mexican-American actress (b. 1910)
  • 2015 — Márton Fülöp, Hungarian footballer (b. 1983)
  • 2015 — Jihadi John, Kuwaiti terrorist (b. 1988)
  • 2014 — John Briscoe, South African-American epidemiologist, engineer, and academic (b. 1948)
  • 2014 — Ravi Chopra, Indian director and producer (b. 1946)
  • 2014 — Warren Clarke, English actor, director, and producer (b. 1947)