Annual observance

World Baking Day

May 17 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-17

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

World Baking Day, celebrated annually on May 17th, encourages people worldwide to embrace the joy and creativity of baking. It's a day to get into the kitchen, experiment with recipes, share homemade treats with loved ones, and appreciate the comforting process and delicious results of transforming simple ingredients into delightful baked goods. The day promotes baking as a skill, a hobby, and a wonderful way to connect with others.

Observed each year on May 17, World Baking Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: World Baking Day on May 17 celebrates the art of baking, highlighting its ability to foster creativity and connection among friends and family. This observance not only honors the rich history of baking but also encourages individuals to share the joy of homemade treats, strengthening community bonds through a shared love of food.

Origin and story

The earliest known bread was made by Natufian hunter-gatherers in Jordan approximately 14,400 years ago.

The world's largest cookie ever baked weighed 40,000 pounds (18,143 kg) and was made by Immaculate Baking Company in Flat Rock, NC, in 2003.

Quick facts

  • DateMay 17
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Add World Baking Day to your Obscure Holiday Calendar app widget so you get a reminder next year.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.
  • Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
  • Share the story of World Baking Day on social and tag it with #worldbakingday so others can join in.
  • Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by World Baking, or play music that matches the mood.

Fun facts

  • The earliest known bread was made by Natufian hunter-gatherers in Jordan approximately 14,400 years ago.
  • The world's largest cookie ever baked weighed 40,000 pounds (18,143 kg) and was made by Immaculate Baking Company in Flat Rock, NC, in 2003.
  • Ancient Egyptians were among the first to discover the leavening properties of yeast, using it to make lighter, airier bread.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


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FAQ

When is World Baking Day?
It is observed on May 17 each year.
What is World Baking Day?
World Baking Day, celebrated annually on May 17th, encourages people worldwide to embrace the joy and creativity of baking. It's a day to get into the kitchen, experiment with recipes, share homemade treats with loved ones, and appreciate the comforting process and delicious results of transforming simple ingredients into delightful baked goods. The day promotes baking as a skill, a hobby, and a wonderful way to connect with others.
How do people celebrate World Baking Day?
Add World Baking Day to your Obscure Holiday Calendar app widget so you get a reminder next year.

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