National Carbonara Day

The story

National Carbonara Day was established in 2017 by the International Pasta Organization (IPO) and the Italian Association of Confectionery and Pasta Industries (AIDEPI) to honor one of Italy's most beloved dishes. And it definitely worked, pasta lovers everywhere now have a reason to celebrate.

Despite its simplicity, eggs, pecorino, guanciale, black pepper, and pasta, carbonara stirs up quite a bit of debate. Its origins remain unclear, with various theories floating around. Some say it was created by charcoal workers (carbonari) in the Apennine Mountains.

Others believe the name comes from the black pepper resembling coal dust. Another theory suggests American soldiers in WWII mixed bacon and powdered eggs with pasta, creating the dish by accident.

Some trace carbonara’s roots to Naples, with early recipes for "cacio e uova" appearing in the 19th century. Many think this was the precursor to carbonara, evolving with the addition of Roman ingredients like guanciale and pecorino.

Though it may feel like an ancient dish, carbonara rose to fame post-WWII. By the 1960s, the creamy (but no cream!) version we know today had emerged. Now, carbonara-inspired creations are everywhere, from pizza to chips to ramen. And while purists may frown on these twists, it’s clear carbonara has gone global.