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National Empanada Day

Celebrate National Empanada Day with delicious flavors from around the world - make your own, try a new recipe, or get takeout!

Thursday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 8

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYGlobal Cuisines

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Empanada Day on April 8th! Empanadas are a delicious pastry pocket filled with savory or sweet fillings, originating from Spain and Portugal. They have become popular all over the world, with variations found in South America, Asia, Africa and more. The history of this beloved dish dates back centuries ago when it was consumed as an easy snack by travelers. Today we can enjoy empanadas in both traditional flavors like beef and chicken as well as creative concoctions such as apples & cinnamon or strawberry cheesecake.

DEALS & OFFERS

2026’s deals have wrapped

See who celebrated this year, and browse offers from past years.

Offers wrapped for 2026

National Empanada Day ran on April 8. Here’s who celebrated with offers this year.

2 brands offered a deal this year

Empanada Noshery

Graziano's Group

See past offers

TIMELINE

National Empanada Day Timeline

Origination of Empanadas

Empanadas were first recorded in a Spanish cookbook, cementing their origins in the Iberian Peninsula.

Spanish and Portuguese Expansion

As Spain and Portugal grew their empires, empanadas spread to the colonies in South America, Africa, and Asia.

Cultural Adaptation of Empanadas

With the spread of empanadas, different cultures started to develop their own adaptations of the dish with local flavors and ingredients.

Empanadas in United States

Empanadas start to climb in popularity within the United States as a result of Latin American immigration.

National Empanada Day Initiated

The first National Empanada Day was celebrated in 2011 to honor this versatile dish and its rich multicultural history.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Empanada Day

Cook empanadas

Spend the day making empanadas from scratch. Try different recipes, like beef, chicken, or cheese. Mix dough, fill them up with your favorite ingredients, and bake in the oven.

Go out for empanadas

Try a new restaurant that specializes in empanadas and experience the different flavors. A great way to celebrate and sample different types of these delicious treats.

HOST

Host an empanada party

Invite friends over for an empanada party! Have everyone bring their favorite type of empanada and have a taste test to find out who makes the best one. Don't forget some dipping sauces for added flavor.

ENJOY

Enjoy sweet empanadas

Forget savory - enjoy sweet empanadas filled with fruit or chocolate! Try baking a few at home with different fillings and flavors and see which one you like best.

THROW

Throw an empanada competition

Do you think you make the best empanadas? Put your skills to the test by throwing an Empanada competition! Invite friends and family to compete against each other to see who can create the most creative and tasty dish.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Empanada Day

Empanadas make great finger food

Because they come in individual portions, empanadas are perfect for snacking on the go. Pack some up for lunch or serve them as party appetizers - your guests will love having a delicious meal without any mess or hassle!

Empanadas are delicious

These pastries are filled with yummy ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and vegetables, then fried or baked until golden and crispy. Empanadas are a great way to enjoy classic Latin American flavors in convenient, bite-sized packages!

Empanadas can be customized

The best part about empanadas is that they can be personalized to suit any preference. Whether you're a fan of sweet empanadas filled with fruit fillings, or savory types packed with meats and veggies, there's sure to be an empanada for everyone!