National Fajita Day
About National Fajita Day
When is National Fajita Day? This holiday is always celebrated on August 18
Hey Amigo, stand up, and let’s hear a big “Ole”! Today is National Fajita Day. This popular August 18 holiday is definitely something to cheer about. On this holiday, people all over the world enjoy this favorite, Tex-Mex dish in a restaurant or at home. And, Vaqueros out on the trail with a cattle herd have much to celebrate. They invented Fajitas while out on a cattle drive, and suddenly the Tex-Mex culinary scene would never be the same again.
Imagine what it must have been like on a cattle drive. Long, hot, dusty days sitting atop a horse. Every day is filled with danger and peril at every turn. Those long days sure made a cowboy hungry. At night, the campfires were lit for warmth and to cook meals. Occasionally, camp cooks made Fajitas, using inexpensive skirt steak to fill the stomachs of weary and hungry cowboys. They were a simpler form of Fajitas than those we eat today. But, they were delicious all the same. And it was a welcome relief to the usual boring beans served on the trail.
Of course, eating them on National Fajita Day is a must. Other Mexican and Tex-Mex holidays are a great time to put them on your dinner menu. And, there are 364 other days of the year to enjoy delicious, marinated meat and veggies with all the toppings rolled up into a flour tortilla.
History of Fajitas
From humble western cattle trails, Fajitas evolved into one of today’s most popular Tex-Mex dishes. Many people believe Fajitas originated in Mexico. However, they first appeared in the United States. Mexican Vaqueros in Southwest Texas created Fajitas in the 1930s. Vaqueros are Mexican cowboys who are horse-mounted cattlemen. The vaqueros discovered a way to use tough skirt steak to make a fantastic meal. They chopped the skirt steak into small pieces before cooking it and added chopped vegetables and some spices. They originally served it with corn chips. Later, the meat and vegetables were put into a soft flour tortilla. Various toppings were also added.
In the 1960s, Fajitas began showing up on restaurant menus, and their popularity spread. By the 1980s, Fajita recipes appeared in cookbooks, spreading their popularity even further. Today, you will find Fajitas in restaurants all over the world.
In restaurants, Fajitas are typically served on a sizzling hot, cast-iron skillet. Today there are many Fajita recipes. You can use soft flour tortillas or corn tortillas. In addition, you can use steak, chicken, fish, and other meats. Vegetables include onions, sweet peppers, and can include a variety of other veggies. While cheese wasn’t on the original recipe, it is almost always one of today’s toppings. Toppings have evolved, too. Some of the more popular topping options are sour cream, salsa, chiles, finely chopped tomatoes, and guacamole. Put any of these ingredients inside a soft tortilla, roll it up, and chow down. Serve Fajitas with corn chips and salsa on the side. Oh, don’t forget the guacamole.
Fajita Trivia and Facts
Here are our Fajita trivia and factoids. They will make your knowledge of this Mexican dish impress everyone at the Mexican restaurant.:
- They are not originally from Mexico. Rather, they were invented in Texas.
- In 1991, McDonald’s added a Chicken Fajita to their menu. It was not a success.
- In the 1970s, Sonny Falcon trademarked the term “Fajita King”.
- Mexican families consume an estimated two pounds of tortillas a day.
- The term “mole” refers to traditional Mexican sauces, some of which make their way to your Fajita.
- Skirt steak is a beefsteak cut from the diaphragm muscle of a cow. Aren’t you glad you found out this little factoid!?
- In Mexico, they are called “Arrachero” which is the Mexican word for skirt steak.
- Some people consider them a form of taco. What do you think?
- On average, people eat 2 -3 Fajita per meal, using about 1/2 pound of meat.
How to Celebrate and Participate in National Fajita Day
Here are some ideas on how you can celebrate National Fajita Day:
- Go to your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant and enjoy a Fajita.
- Make them at home. They are easy to make, and you can add any ingredients and toppings in whatever proportions you prefer.
- Have a Fajita party. Invite your friends and chow down to a great Tex-Mex dish. Don’t forget the Tequila.
- Got a family Fajita recipe? Share it with others. Post it in a recipe book.
Today's Quote
“Part of the secret of a success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.” – – Mark Twain
History and Origin of National Fajita Day
In 2016, On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina founded National Fajita Day. Fajitas are their signature dish. And creating this national day helps to promote their business. This restaurant chain, headquartered in Irving, TX, has 150 stores in the United States and 7 in South Korea.
We did not find any documentation confirming this to be a “National” day. We found no congressional records or presidential proclamation.
Definition of “National” Days – and why it is so important to distinguish and identify true national days.
This Day in History
In addition to National Fajita Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
- The oldest known temple to Venus is founded, and the tradition of Vinalia Rustica (grape harvest festival) is begun. (293 B.C.)
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicates the 1,000 Islands bridge, connecting the US and Canada. (1938)
- Karl Marx, socialist, political theorist was born on this day in (1818)
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