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National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day is celebrated on November 12 each year. Pizza has become one of America’s favorite meals, and on this annual pizza holiday, pizza lovers can load up on all their favorite toppings, minus the anchovies.
Anchovies are small, oily saltwater fish from a family that includes 144 species found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. These small fish are typically green with a silver stripe that runs along their bodies from head to tail.
National Pizza With the Works Except Anchovies Day Observance
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 12 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | November 12 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | November 12 | Thursday |
| 2027 | November 12 | Friday |
| 2028 | November 12 | Sunday |
History of National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day
The first pizza establishment in the United States opened in 1905 in New York’s Little Italy. By 1997, the United States was producing 2 billion pounds of pizza cheese annually. In ancient Greece, people covered bread with herbs, oils, and cheese, which some believe marks the origin of pizza. In Byzantine Greek, the word was spelled “πίτα” (pita), meaning “pie.” Later, the Romans developed a flatbread topped with cheese and honey, spiced with bay leaves.
Other Celebrations on November 12
November 12 is also celebrated as
How to Celebrate the Day
Celebrating National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day is simple and enjoyable. The modern pizza originated in Italy as the Neapolitan flatbread. Traditionally, the original pizza was topped only with mozzarella cheese, often using the highest quality buffalo mozzarella produced around Naples. Anchovies, typically processed in salt brine and packed in oil, are known for their strong, distinct flavor. For a milder taste, they can also be pickled in vinegar.