Introduction to National Taco Day
Oct. 7 is not just a regular Taco Tuesday – it’s National Taco Day!
The National Day Calendar refers to this glorious day — celebrated on the first Tuesday of October — as one to “honor the endlessly versatile and delicious taco.”
History of Tacos
The origins of the taco itself are not entirely clear. It is known as a Mexican dish – that much has been established – but whether people enjoyed them before the Europeans arrived or started eating them in the late 18th century remains up for debate. Some point to evidence that indigenous people in the lake region of the Valley of Mexico ate them, while others cite literary works from the mid-1800s that first mention the word “taco.”
For instance, a Mexican cookbook from the late 1830s, described as the only Mexican cookbook published before 1896 which claimed female ownership, mentions a “taco de tortilla” and a novel called “El hombre de la situación” published in 1861 also makes reference to a taco.
There is also a theory that tacos originated in the 18th century silver mines of Mexico.
Celebration of National Taco Day
Regardless of when the taco came to be, it is now a staple of antojitos – Mexican street food. Taquerías exist in cities across the globe, preparing fresh, handheld delicious goodness ranging from a simple $3 al pastor taco to extravagant, ten-figure creations.
KTLA is celebrating National Taco Day with Siete Foods, who, as part of their Siete Foods Juntos Fund, are donating $250,000 to 25 taquerías nationwide in an effort to empower entrepreneurship and the Latino community.
Of those 25, three are in the L.A. area, and thanks to Siete Foods’ donation, all three spots will be offering free tacos to celebrate (to be clear, it is one free taco per person at each locations):
- Tacos El Torito: 227 Shay Avenue, La Puente
- Villa’s Tacos: 5455 North Figueroa Street, Los Angeles
- Yuca’s: 1075 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena
National Taco Day Deals
Other National Taco Day deals include:
- Taco Bell Rewards Members can get a $1 Cantina Chicken Soft Taco through the Taco Bell app.
- At Chuy’s, you can can get a $1 taco with any entrée purchase, and if you wear a "taco-inspired costume,” you get a free entrée.
- At Del Taco, from Tuesday, Oct. 7, to Thursday, Oct. 9, you can get a free The Del Taco with a minimum purchase of $10.
- At Jack in the Box, Jack Pack Rewards Members can get two free tacos with a minimum purchase of $1.
¡Disfruta tus tacos y el día!
Oh, and also congratulations to KTLA’s own Carlos Herrera — who covered National Taco Day Tuesday morning — on his recent announcement that his wife, Abby, is pregnant!
Conclusion
National Taco Day is a celebration of the delicious and versatile taco, and it’s a day to honor the rich history and culture of Mexico. With many deals and free tacos available, it’s a great day to try out your favorite taquería or try something new.
FAQs
Q: What is National Taco Day?
A: National Taco Day is a celebration of the taco, observed on the first Tuesday of October.
Q: What are some deals available on National Taco Day?
A: Many restaurants, including Taco Bell, Chuy’s, Del Taco, and Jack in the Box, are offering deals and free tacos on National Taco Day.
Q: Where can I get free tacos on National Taco Day?
A: Three taquerías in the L.A. area, Tacos El Torito, Villa’s Tacos, and Yuca’s, are offering free tacos to celebrate National Taco Day, thanks to a donation from Siete Foods.
Q: How can I participate in National Taco Day?
A: You can participate in National Taco Day by trying out your favorite taquería, trying a new taco recipe, or sharing your love of tacos on social media using the hashtag #NationalTacoDay.
