In the social media era, there seems to be a national holiday for just about anything–from Siblings Day to Pie Day and everything in between. Today particularly marks National Pizza Day, which allegedly began in 2000. Flatbreads with toppings were popularized in Ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. Pizza as we know it today was created in Naples, Italy, at some point between the 1700s and 1800s, but actually became more popular in America before it really took off in Europe.
It wasn’t until 1905 that one of the first documented pizzerias in America was founded. G. Lombardi’s, originally located on Spring Street in Manhattan, New York. Pizza quickly became an affordable meal that people from all walks of life could enjoy. For many, today is about more than just pizza, but about honoring small business owners and the legacy of Italian-American immigrants.
New York City rapidly became the pizza capital of the country, and today, celebrities and pizza connoisseurs alike have taken to social media to celebrate the holiday. The hosts of NBC’s The Today Show kicked off the day with a fresh pie in the studio.
Today is National Pizza Day! ???? pic.twitter.com/L0CYZVJJuH
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) February 9, 2023
Actress Brooke Shields, who was born and raised in New York City, shared a childhood snapshot of one of her favorite local pizzerias.
An aficionado of the NY pizza slice from a young age ???? #TBT #NationalPizzaDay pic.twitter.com/1XewXdrwim
— Brooke Shields (@BrookeShields) February 9, 2023
Sony’s official Twitter shared a comical scene from their Spiderman franchise starring Toby Maguire.
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https://twitter.com/Sony/status/1623718751248973824?s=20&t=8eBnD_4yRHhPn557Obr3sg
Others pointed out that today is also National Bagel Day. New York City is home to a significant Italian and Jewish population, and also home to some great pizza and bagels.
Today being both National Bagel and Lox Day and National Pizza Day is another example of the Jewish and Italian Handshake.
— Jason Diamond (@imjasondiamond) February 9, 2023
Many took to Twitter to share heartfelt shoutouts to local business owners. Pizzerias serve as a nostalgic meeting place across countless towns and cities.
Thinking of the late great Gary Bimonte on this #NationalPizzaDay. He was such a kind man. We're so lucky to have such a deep culinary legacy in CT! Go get yourself some good apizza today. ♥️???? @pepespizzeria pic.twitter.com/Bx8pk5iKtr
— Heidi Voight (@HeidiVoight) February 9, 2023
In honor of #NationalPizzaDay I have to go with Sally’s Apizza in New Haven, CT as my favorite pizza I’ve ever had. Their tomato pie is amazing!! pic.twitter.com/OWRyhFk9fm
— Ryan Munn (@RyanWGME) February 9, 2023
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Some even shared pizza art they created to commemorate today’s holiday.
Happy National Pizza Day! ????
My favorite is a Margherita Pizza (mozzarella cheese, some basil leaves & sliced tomatoes) What's yours?#NationalPizzaDay pic.twitter.com/PelHw3EXLp— Deana Martin (@DeanaMartin_) February 9, 2023
Happy #NationalPizzaDay from your Aggies! ❤️???? #usuaggielife pic.twitter.com/BoKQ3BTu7s
— Utah State University (@USUAggies) February 9, 2023
https://www.tiktok.com/@f00dventures/video/7198268697138744622?_r=1&_t=8ZkMeMRnHdC
Some members of congress even returned to their hometowns to visit their favorite pizza shops.
In New Haven, our pizzerias are primarily family-founded, family-owned, small businesses, sustained through the blood, sweat and tears of our sisters, brothers, friends, and neighbors.
Today in New Haven, my office celebrates #NationalPizzaDay! ???? pic.twitter.com/7UZxsNxg5z— Rosa DeLauro (@rosadelauro) February 9, 2023
Even NASA hopped on the trend and shared an image of one Jupiter’s moons that resembles pizza dough.
For no particular reason, we're thinking about Jupiter's volcanic moon Io today. Our #JunoMission will fly by it on March 1, but you can make a virtual visit anytime at: https://t.co/byob2fnBkh
Oh, and happy #NationalPizzaDay pic.twitter.com/K7gGPMIARu
— NASA Solar System (@NASASolarSystem) February 9, 2023
Many took to TikTok to challenge themselves to eat copious amounts of pizza.
@cassidynashdavis Slices 1-7 for #nationalpizzaday #greenscreenvideo #greenscreen
Even some pets took part in today’s festivities, including a ground hog who seems to have escaped Punxsutawney.
There's no better feeling in the world than getting the last slice! ???????????? (Via – Daniel B.) #NationalPizzaDay pic.twitter.com/QYgrctSLLG
— The Pet Collective (@PetCollectiveTV) February 9, 2023
@whosagoodlizard Lewis was put on pizza duty today for National Pizza day! He just pulled all the pepperoni pizzas out and is about to serve them up by the pie or the slice! Come on down to Chef Lenny and sons and get some! #foryou #fyp #fypシ #foryoupage #fypage #fancyrestaurant #gastronmia #gastronomic #pizza #nationalpizzaday #pizzalover
Naturally, the holiday stirred up many typical debates surrounding pizza, including which chain franchise has the best pie.
You just won two Large pizzas on National Pizza Day, which location are you ordering from? pic.twitter.com/FJeMRBZ9ER
— Damien Scott (@MadScientistFF) February 10, 2023
This led to the age old argument of whether or not pineapples belong on pizza. Even though thus concoction is dubbed the Hawaiian pie, it was actually created in Canada.
9 February is Pizza Day! Did you know that despite its tropical name, Hawaiian pizza was actually developed in Chatham, Ontario at Satellite Restaurant? We have Sam Panoulos to thank for creating the first documented pizza with pineapple.
????: Derek Ruttan pic.twitter.com/ZgrhmIYW4V
— HISTORY Canada (@HistoryTVCanada) February 9, 2023
Not apologizing for it. Jalapeños are and always have been a thing on pizza. There. I said it. Pineapple also belongs on pizza. pic.twitter.com/a78nzkXrL0
— Roop Raj (@rooprajfox2) February 9, 2023
In honor of today’s holiday, franchises and independent pizzerias are giving away free or discounted pies. Be on the lookout tonight to find the best slice in your city.
