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National Gumbo Day

Celebrate National Gumbo Day with friends and family - indulge in delicious flavors, mix up some special ingredients, and enjoy a hearty bowl of gumbo!

Monday
12
October 2026
Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
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YEARLY DATEOctober 12
OBSERVED INUnited States
CATEGORYFood
SUBCATEGORYGlobal Cuisines
INTRO

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Gumbo Day on October 12! This flavorful dish has been around since the 18th century and originated in Louisiana, with its roots tracing back to African, French, Spanish and Native American cultures. The classic gumbo is made of roux (flour-oil mixture), vegetables such as onion or celery, spices like cayenne pepper or paprika and a variety of meats such as chicken or sausage. Whether you prefer seafood gumbo with shrimp or crabmeat instead of meat, there's something for everyone when it comes to this delicious dish.

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TIMELINE

National Gumbo Day Timeline

Gumbo's Origin

In the early 1800s, gumbo was being prepared in the Louisiana region, drawing influences from African, French, Spanish and Native American cuisines.

First Written Gumbo Recipe

The first written recipe of gumbo appeared in the cookbook 'La Cuisine Creole'.

Gumbo: Official Cuisine of Louisiana

Gumbo was declared the official cuisine of the state of Louisiana, signifying its cultural and historic value.

World's Largest Gumbo

The world's largest gumbo was created at the annual World Championship Gumbo CookOff in New Iberia, Louisiana. The gumbo weighed over 5,800 lbs.

First National Gumbo Day

National Gumbo Day was celebrated for the first time, promoting the dish's cultural significance and popularity in the United States.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Gumbo Day

EDITOR'S PICK

Make your own gumbo

Gumbo is a great way to celebrate National Gumbo Day. Start by making a roux with oil, flour and butter, then add some onions, bell peppers, celery and garlic. Then add in your favorite meats, seafood and vegetables - the possibilities are endless.

GO

Go out for gumbo

Head to your favorite restaurant for a delicious bowl of gumbo. Whether it's an old family recipe or something new and exciting, you're sure to find something to love.

HOST

Host a gumbo cookoff

Invite friends and family over to share their best gumbo recipes on National Gumbo Day. You can even serve some side dishes like cornbread and jambalaya to make it a real party!

THROW

Throw a gumbo party

Nothing says celebration like good food and good company, so why not have a get together on National Gumbo Day? Make sure there is plenty of gumbo for everyone, as well as other Cajun favorites like po' boys and beignets.

LEARN

Learn about the history of gumbo

Take some time to learn about the history of gumbo, its origin and how it has evolved over the years. You can also explore different variations of the dish from around the world.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Gumbo Day

Gumbo clarifies family traditions

Gumbo often reflects a family's heirloom recipes or culture. By serving up delicious bowls of gumbo to your friends and family, you have the opportunity to bring loved ones together while honoring beloved culinary traditions.

Gumbo is a comfort food

Gumbo is an incredibly comforting and satisfying dish. It's full of flavor, packed with protein, and filled with nourishing vegetables. Whether you're feeling under the weather or just need a warm hug in a bowl - this Southern classic will always hit the spot!

Gumbo has lots of variations

Everyone has their own version of gumbo, making it a truly versatile dish. You can make it vegetarian, add in seafood for an extra kick of flavor, or even throw some sausage into the mix for a true Cajun experience! No matter what type of gumbo you're craving, there's a recipe out there that will satisfy your taste buds.

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