National Bouillabaisse Day

Next celebratedMonday, December 14, 2026

Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of seafood stew on National Bouillabaisse Day - a delicious holiday you won't want to miss!

See how to celebrate

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Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar TeamHave an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEDecember 14

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYSoups

INTRO

Introduction

Get ready to indulge in a delicious seafood stew on National Bouillabaisse Day on December 14! This traditional French dish has been enjoyed for centuries, originating in the port city of Marseille. The word "bouillabaisse" comes from the Provençal words "bolhir" meaning to boil and "abaissar" meaning to lower, reflecting the cooking process of slowly simmering different types of fish and seafood in a flavorful broth. So gather your loved ones and celebrate this special day by savoring a warm bowl of bouillabaisse and perhaps even trying your hand at making it yourself!

TIMELINE

National Bouillabaisse Day Timeline

Origin of Marseille

The port city of Marseille, reputed to be the origin of Bouillabaisse, is founded by the Greeks.

Bouillabaisse Recipe Development

During the 1800s, the traditional bouillabaisse recipe began to evolve and standardized in French cuisine.

Global Expansion of French Cuisine

Due to the global expansion of French cuisine in the 20th century, bouillabaisse gained international recognition.

Formation of "La Charte de la Bouillabaisse"

Top chefs in Marseille established a standard for the classic recipe known as "La Charte de la Bouillabaisse Marseillaise" in 1980.

First National Bouillabaisse Day

National Bouillabaisse Day was first recognized in the United States, celebrated every year on December 14.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Bouillabaisse Day

Cook up a pot of bouillabaisse

Take on the challenge of making your own bouillabaisse from scratch! Gather all the necessary ingredients and follow a traditional recipe or add your own twist to this classic French seafood stew.

VISIT

Visit a French restaurant

If you're not up for cooking, treat yourself to a meal at a French restaurant that specializes in bouillabaisse. Enjoy the authentic flavors and let someone else do the cooking for you.

LEARN

Learn about the history of bouillabaisse

Do some research on the origins and evolution of bouillabaisse. Share your newfound knowledge with friends and family while enjoying a bowl of this delicious dish.

HOST

Host a bouillabaisse tasting party

Invite friends over and have everyone bring a different version of bouillabaisse. Compare and contrast the different flavors and styles while celebrating National Bouillabaisse Day.

TRY

Try a new seafood dish

If you're not a fan of bouillabaisse, use this day as an opportunity to try a new seafood dish from France or another country. Expand your palate and discover new flavors!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Bouillabaisse Day

It brings people together

Bouillabaisse is traditionally served family-style, making it the perfect meal to share with loved ones. Plus, cooking it together can be a fun activity that brings everyone closer together. What better reason to love National Bouillabaisse Day than the opportunity to create memories with loved ones over a delicious meal?

It's a celebration of seafood

Bouillabaisse is a classic French seafood stew made with an assortment of fish, shellfish, and herbs. On National Bouillabaisse Day, we get to indulge in this delicious and luxurious dish - and what's not to love about that?

It's a chance to try new flavors

Bouillabaisse is full of complex flavor profiles from the various types of seafood and spices used. This holiday gives us the opportunity to expand our palate and try something new and exciting!

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