A cultural observance on February 20 celebrating the Friday night fish fry tradition, especially during Lent, featuring beer-battered fried fish and community gatherings at restaurants, taverns, and supper clubs.
Caleb Westphal
Individual Initiative
Caleb Westphal, a Milwaukee-area fish fry enthusiast, created the observance in 2021 to celebrate and promote Wisconsin's longstanding Friday night fish fry tradition rooted in Catholic abstinence practices. It has received official recognition through proclamations from the City of Milwaukee and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.
Get ready for some crispy, golden deliciousness as we celebrate Friday Fish Fry Day on February 16! This yummy tradition has religious roots in Catholicism where meat was avoided on Fridays during Lent, and fish became a popular alternative. Over time, this practice evolved, transcending religious boundaries, becoming a staple across America, particularly in the Midwest. This flavorful day is perfect for gathering with friends and family to munch on perfectly fried fish paired with your favorite sides. So, dive right into the celebrations and let's get ready to enjoy a good old fashioned fish fry!
Get together with friends and family and host a fish fry party. Everybody can contribute by bringing different types of fish to prepare, or different sides to complement the meal.
Plan a visit to a local seafood market or fishmonger where you can pick up some fresh fillets for your own home-cooked fish fry. Try getting a variety of fish species to mix things up.
Make this day a reason to explore the world's culinary traditions. Cook different fish dishes from around the world, like British fish 'n' chips, Mediterranean calamari, or Japanese tempura.
Bring out the competitive spirits by holding a friendly fish frying competition among your friends or family. Who can make the crispiest, most delicious fried fish?
If cooking isn't for you, then find a local seafood restaurant and order a fish fry dish. Enjoy the ambiance and appreciate the expertise of professional cooks on this special day.
On Friday Fish Fry Day, we get the opportunity to binge on a variety of tantalizing fish fry dishes. From classic beer-battered fish to exotic tempuras and calamari, there's something delectable for everyone's taste buds.
Whether you're hosting a fish fry party or participating in a friendly cooking competition, Friday Fish Fry Day promotes a sense of community and cheer, bringing loved ones together over delicious food, chatter and laughs.
Friday Fish Fry Day invites us to experiment with different recipes and cooking styles from around the world. So whether you're trying out British fish 'n' chips, Mediterranean calamari, or Japanese tempura, it's an exciting foodie adventure you don't want to miss out on!
