National Baklava Day
This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.
Overview
National Baklava Day, observed annually on November 17th, celebrates the iconic sweet pastry enjoyed across the Middle East, Balkans, and Central Asia. Baklava is characterized by its numerous delicate layers of buttered filo dough, filled with chopped nuts—typically walnuts or pistachios—and baked until golden brown. After baking, it is generously drenched in a sweet, often spiced, syrup made from honey or sugar, yielding a rich, crisp, and wonderfully sticky dessert.
Observed each year on November 17, National Baklava Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.
Origin and story
The earliest known version of a layered dessert similar to baklava is believed to have originated in ancient Assyria around the 8th century BCE.
The Ottoman Empire played a significant role in perfecting and popularizing baklava, with the Topkapi Palace kitchens creating unique variations for sultans.
Quick facts
- DateNovember 17
- TypeFood / Dessert
- Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers
Also on this date
Ways to celebrate
- Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the food / dessert vibe and make it a mini tradition.
- Host a tasting plate with sweet and savory pairings.
- Share a recipe photo, tag friends, and swap your favorite topping ideas.
- Try a playful twist: cover non-traditional foods in chocolate or sauces inspired by National Baklava Day.
- Bring National Baklava Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.
Fun facts
- The earliest known version of a layered dessert similar to baklava is believed to have originated in ancient Assyria around the 8th century BCE.
- The Ottoman Empire played a significant role in perfecting and popularizing baklava, with the Topkapi Palace kitchens creating unique variations for sultans.
- Some traditional recipes for baklava call for as many as 40 ultra-thin layers of filo dough, making its preparation a true culinary art form.
Sources and attribution
Source not provided.
Continue to
FAQ
- When is National Baklava Day?
- It is observed on November 17 each year.
- What is National Baklava Day?
- National Baklava Day, observed annually on November 17th, celebrates the iconic sweet pastry enjoyed across the Middle East, Balkans, and Central Asia. Baklava is characterized by its numerous delicate layers of buttered filo dough, filled with chopped nuts—typically walnuts or pistachios—and baked until golden brown. After baking, it is generously drenched in a sweet, often spiced, syrup made from honey or sugar, yielding a rich, crisp, and wonderfully sticky dessert.
- How do people celebrate National Baklava Day?
- Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the food / dessert vibe and make it a mini tradition.
Get the app
Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.