Got an idea for a new holiday? Let us know!
Submit Holiday

​National Pupusa Day

Indulge in the deliciousness of pupusas on National Pupusa Day - try out different flavors, fillings, and sauces for a treat you won't forget!
Location Icon
Country
United States
Introduction

Mark your calendars for the second Sunday in November because it's National Pupusa Day! This traditional Salvadoran dish has been around since as early as the 16th century and it's an absolute must-try. The pupusa is a thick, handmade corn tortilla that is usually stuffed with cheese, beans, pork rinds, and other delicious ingredients. It is then cooked on a griddle or comal until golden brown and served with curtido (a cabbage slaw) and salsa. So get ready to enjoy this savory treat on National Pupusa Day!

History of ​National Pupusa Day

​National Pupusa Day Dates

​National Pupusa Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>16th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Pupusa</div><div class='timeline-text'>The pupusa originates in El Salvador during the Pipil cultural period, used as an essential food in Salvadoran diet.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Pupusa Day Salmanca</div><div class='timeline-text'>Salmanca holds its first National Pupusa Day, sparking a trend for other cities worldwide with Salvadoran populations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pupusa Day in US</div><div class='timeline-text'>Cities in the United States with large Salvadoran populations such as Los Angeles and Washington D.C. begin celebrating Pupusa Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Infinity Pupusa Event</div><div class='timeline-text'>El Salvador sets a Guinness World Record for creating a 10.5ft diameter pupusa during a National Pupusa Day event.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition during pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, communities continue to recognize National Pupusa Day with home-ordered or homemade pupusas.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate ​National Pupusa Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn to make pupusas</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Make your own pupusas with a few simple ingredients like masa, cheese, and pork. With a little practice, you'll be able to make delicious pupusas in no time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go out for pupusas</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Search for pupusas on Yelp and see where your pupusa adventure takes you. From Salvadoran to Mexican, the options are endless when it comes to pupusa cuisine.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a pupusa party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your friends over and host a pupusa party! Have everyone bring their own ingredients and let the pupusa making begin!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try different recipes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Explore the world of pupusas by trying different recipes. You can find savory recipes, sweet recipes, even vegan recipes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a cooking class</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Search out your local cooking school and sign up for a pupusa making class. Learn all about the basics of making delicious pupusas.</p></div></div>

Why We Love ​National Pupusa Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pupusas are delicious</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Who doesn't love a good pupusa? With its flavorful filling, soft and chewy masa, and unique cross between a quesadilla and an empanada, it's no wonder why they’re such a hit! Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa or guacamole, they never fail to satisfy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pupusas can be made vegetarian</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>If you don't eat meat, don't worry - pupusas can still be enjoyed! Just substitute the traditional pork filling for something else like beans, kale, sweet potatoes or cheese. You can even make them dairy free by swapping out the cheese for vegan alternatives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pupusas are customizable</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The great thing about pupusas is that they're incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. Experiment with different fillings and toppings until you find the perfect combination that's just right for you!</p></div></div>

5 Delicious Facts About Pupusas

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pupusas date back to Pre-Columbian Times</h3><p class='facts-text'>This Salvadoran dish dates back thousands of years to the Pipil tribes who were the native inhabitants of El Salvador long before the Spanish arrived.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Curtido is a Key Pupusa Accompaniment</h3><p class='facts-text'>Curtido, a spiced cabbage slaw, is typically served with pupusas and provides a tangy contrast to the savory flavors of the pupusas.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pupusas are made with a Special Corn Dough</h3><p class='facts-text'>The dough for pupusas is made from masa de maíz, a special ground corn flour that’s also used to make tamales and tortillas.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>There's a wide variety of fillings for pupusas</h3><p class='facts-text'>Traditional fillings include cheese, pork rinds, or refried beans. However, modern variations can include anything from various vegetables, seafood and more exotic ingredients.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>El Salvador holds a Pupusa Festival every year</h3><p class='facts-text'>Each year, El Salvador hosts a National Pupusa Day where a variety of pupusas are celebrated. The festival also features the creation of the largest pupusa in the world.</p></div></div>

​National Pupusa Day FAQs

When is ​National Pupusa Day?

​National Pupusa Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Nov 12

Sunday

2024

Jan 14

Sunday

2025

Nov 9

Sunday

2026

Nov 8

Sunday

2027

Nov 14

Sunday

Food & Beverage Holidays