National Taco Day: origin, meaning, and why it is celebrated on October 4

This year National Taco Day happens to fall on Taco Tuesday, giving taco lovers an even better excuse to celebrate.

The holiday in the United States can be traced back to the Mexican fast food chain Del Taco, which began celebrating in 2009. Since then, other restaurants, including those at the local and national levels, have begun to offer specials too.

October was likely chosen as it is Hispanic Herritage Month, but there is no specific reason why the holiday takes place on the fourth of October, but since it began more than a decade ago, the date has stuck

Taco Bell has gotten in on the fun in recent years as well. Like National Coffee Day, which took place last week, those interested in scoring some freebies may need to download the apps for their favorite taco chain. Often times major chains will use these made-up holidays to expand their loyalty programs and online presence.

The idea by Del Taco may have been inspired by a Mexican television station that began its own festivities in 2007.

Which stores will be offering free tacos?

All month long, Del Taco is celebrating Tacotober Fest with new specials each day. On 4 October, customers can take advantage of the Taco Night Deals as well as score double points for rewards members. Some of the other great deals include Buy One Get One for various menu products.

At the chain, El Pollo Loco, which has around 500 locations, will offer eight free tacos when customers spend more than $10.

7/11 shops will offer 10 mini tacos for $2 on 10/4.

How were tacos born?

According to the publication ‘Brief History of Mexican Food,’ from 1994, the writers Jesús Flores y Escalante indicated that tacos emerged during the nineteenth-century civil wars as it was an easy way to wrap food with the tortilla. Years later, the first adopted the name of tacos sudados, and after which came the ones that are known today.