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National Spanish Paella Day

A food observance on March 27 celebrating the traditional Spanish rice dish paella, originating from Valencia, with its communal preparation and variations including rabbit, chicken, seafood, and saffron-infused rice.

Saturday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 27

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYGlobal Cuisines

ORIGIN

Community Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY

Not documented

FIRST OBSERVED

Not documented

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The observance has no identified creator or proclamation. It appears to be an unofficial U.S. food holiday with mentions dating back to at least 2009, likely popularized by food bloggers or marketers.

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INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Spanish Paella Day on March 27th! Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that has been around since the mid-1800s. It's made with rice and vegetables, meats, and/or seafood cooked in one pot. It's a delicious meal that can be enjoyed any day of the year but especially on this national day dedicated to it. So get your paellera (pan used for cooking paella) out and let’s get cooking!

DEALS & OFFERS

2026’s deals have wrapped

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

Offers wrapped for 2026

National Spanish Paella Day ran on March 27. Here’s who celebrated with offers this year.

2 brands offered a deal this year

The Iberian Pig

Bulla Gastrobar

See past offers

TIMELINE

National Spanish Paella Day Timeline

Birth of Paella

In the mid-1800s in Valencia, Spain, paella is believed to have been born, originally a meal for farmers and laborers cooked over open fire.

Paella Spreads Across Spain

By the early 1900s, Paella started to gain popularity throughout Spain, with regional variations emerging based on the local ingredients available.

Paella Journeys Abroad

United States and other countries embrace Spanish cuisine, including Paella, during the 1960s due to increasing travel and migration.

Olympic Paella

Caterer Serunion creates a gigantic paella serving 100,000 people at the Barcelona Olympics, showcasing the dish to a global audience.

Record-Breaking Paella

Spanish town Valencia sets a Guinness World Record for the largest paella ever cooked, serving approximately 110,000 portions.

National Spanish Paella Day

National Spanish Paella Day is established in the United States, celebrated annually on March 27th, promoting the appreciation of this iconic Spanish dish.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Spanish Paella Day

Make your own paella

Paella is a delicious and easy-to-make dish. Gather the ingredients, such as saffron, garlic, onions, tomatoes, paprika, peas, seafood, and chicken. Start by sautéing the vegetables and then adding the broth and other ingredients. Once cooked, enjoy with some crusty bread for a delicious meal.

VISIT

Visit a Spanish restaurant

Take a trip to a local Spanish restaurant to celebrate Paella Day. Sample different types of paella from classic Valencian to seafood paella or vegetarian paella for a truly authentic experience.

HOST

Host a paella party

Gather your friends and family for a fun night around the dinner table celebrating National Spanish Paella Day! Have everyone bring their favorite ingredients and you can all take turns cooking the dish together.

WATCH

Watch Spanish films

Get into the festive spirit by watching some classic Spanish films featuring paella. You could watch Pan’s Labyrinth or Vicky Christina Barcelona for an interesting cultural experience.

LEARN

Learn about the history of paella

Take some time to learn more about the history of paella and how it has evolved over time. Read some books or watch documentaries to get an in depth look at this iconic Spanish dish.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Spanish Paella Day

It's a one-pot wonder meal

Paella is a perfect one-pot meal, mixing rice, protein, vegetables, and seasoning all together. It is both satisfying and convenient to make and serve, making it a favorite among both novice and veteran cooks.

Paella is a blend of flavors & cultures

Paella is a wonderful representation of Spanish cuisine and its influence from different cultures. It combines ingredients and techniques from the Romans, Moors, and native Valencians to create a unique dish that is truly representative of Spain's rich history and cultural diversity.

Cooking Paella can be a fun social activity

The preparation of paella is often a social event in itself. Its slow cooking process allows plenty of time for friends and family to gather around the pan, share stories, and enjoy each other's company while anticipating the delicious meal that's being prepared.