World Pizza Day is here, a day dedicated to celebrating one of the most beloved foods on the planet. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita, a loaded meat feast, or something a little more unconventional (pineapple, anyone?), this is the perfect excuse to indulge in a slice—or several!
But how did pizza become the global phenomenon it is today? And how can you celebrate World Pizza Day in style? Let’s look at the history, some fun facts, and the best ways to mark the occasion.
A Brief History of Pizza
Pizza, in its simplest form, has been around for thousands of years. Ancient civilisations, including the Greeks and Egyptians, made flatbreads topped with herbs, oils, and cheese. However, the pizza we know and love today originated in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century.
Naples was a bustling port city with a large working-class population. People needed affordable, easy-to-eat food, so street vendors began selling flatbreads topped with tomatoes, cheese, garlic, and herbs. This early version of pizza quickly gained popularity, and by 1889, it had become an iconic Italian dish.
The Margherita pizza, one of the most famous varieties, was created in honour of Queen Margherita of Savoy. A Neapolitan pizzaiolo (pizza maker) named Raffaele Esposito crafted a special pizza using tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—the colours of the Italian flag. She loved it, and the rest is history!
By the 20th century, Italian immigrants had taken pizza across the world. It exploded in popularity in the United States before making its way to the UK, where it became a staple in households, restaurants, and takeaways. Today, pizza is one of the most consumed foods worldwide, with the UK alone eating millions of pizzas every week.
Fun Facts About Pizza
- The UK Loves Pizza – The average Brit eats around 731 slices of pizza per year. That’s roughly 14 slices per week!
- The World’s Biggest Pizza – The largest pizza ever made measured over 13,000 square feet and was gluten-free.
- A Space-Ready Meal – In 2001, Pizza Hut delivered a pizza to space, sending it to the International Space Station for Russian cosmonauts to enjoy.
- Most Expensive Pizza – The world’s priciest pizza, the Louis XIII, costs a whopping £10,000! It features lobster, caviar, and rare cheeses.
- The UK’s Favourite Toppings – According to surveys, pepperoni is the UK’s top pizza topping, followed by Margherita and BBQ Chicken.
How to Celebrate World Pizza Day
Now that you know the history and some fun facts, it’s time to celebrate in true pizza-lover style. Here are some great ways to make the most of World Pizza Day:
1. Make Your Own Pizza at Home
Get creative in the kitchen and make a homemade pizza from scratch. Try a traditional Neapolitan-style dough, or experiment with toppings like spicy nduja, fresh burrata, or even Marmite.
2. Visit Your Favourite Pizzeria
Support a local pizzeria by dining in or ordering a takeaway. Many pizza restaurants run special offers and discounts on World Pizza Day, so keep an eye out for great deals.
3. Host a Pizza Party
Gather friends and family for a pizza night. Set up a DIY pizza bar, where everyone can add their own toppings before baking. Pair it with some Italian wine or craft beer for the ultimate experience.
4. Try a New Pizza Style
Ever tried a Detroit-style pizza or an authentic Roman pizza al taglio? World Pizza Day is the perfect excuse to sample something new and exciting.
5. Learn the Art of Pizza Making
Take a pizza-making class and learn from the pros. Some cookery schools and pizzerias in the UK offer hands-on workshops where you can master the art of dough-stretching and sauce-making.
6. Share Your Love for Pizza Online
Join the conversation on social media by sharing your favourite pizza photos, recipes, or fun facts using hashtags like #WorldPizzaDay and #PizzaLover. You might even discover some new pizza places to try.
Final Slice
World Pizza Day is the perfect opportunity to appreciate one of the world’s most delicious and versatile dishes. Whether you’re making your own, trying a new style, or simply indulging in your go-to favourite, there’s no wrong way to celebrate.
So, grab a slice, raise a toast to pizza, and enjoy this cheesy, saucy, and utterly delicious day!
What’s your favourite pizza topping? Mine is Ham & Pineapple let me know in the comments!
How interesting to read this, I didn’t know the history of pizza even though I eat it around once a week. I think my favourite topping is a meat feast or ham and pineapple. x
Thank you for teaching us a little bit about the history of pizza! It’s our favourite meal and we have had some amazing ones in restaurants over the years. Perhaps the best was in a gorgeous place in Tuscany, recommended by the owners of the agrotourism we were staying in.
Oh yum! I might need to get some pizza tonight!
This is really interesting. I enjoyed the fun facts and ways to celebrate.
Visiting today from MMBC