Today, on September 13, we celebrate World Chocolate Day. If you're like me, your social media has been invaded by mouthwatering pictures of truffles, chocolate bars, bonbons and other delicious chocolatey creations. But you might have noticed that this also happens in July, and also, some people seem to celebrate World Chocolate Day in October. What's going on? Where did World Chocolate Day start, and when is the "real" one?
According to some people, World Chocolate Day is observed on September 13 in Latin America (the birthplace of cacao), while July 7 is the preferred date in europe. Keep reading as we investigate the origins of these cacao and chocolate holidays.
Why do we celebrate World Chocolate Day on July 7?
According to legend, cacao first arrived in Europe on July 7, 1550, which is why in 2009 this date was chosen for World Chocolate Day. Supposedly, the concept of World Chocolate Day was born in France in 1995.
Other sources claim that World Chocolate Day was established in 2010 in a joint effort by the International Organization of Cacao Producers and the Académie Française du Chocolat et de la Confiserie.
At the end of the day, neither the exact date of arrival of cacao in Europe nor the origin of World Chocolate Day are backed up by reliable sources. But it's a good excuse to eat a little (more) chocolate and take a moment to thank the farmers and everyone who puts in the work to produce a chocolate bar.
Why do we celebrate International Chocolate Day on September 13?
September 13, 1916 was Roald Dahl's birthday. Among other books, this British author wrote the legendary Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Dahl shares a birthday with Milton Hershey (1857), American chocolatier whose eponymous company is still one of the largest in the U.S. today. In honour of both these men, September 13 seemed like a pretty good day to establish a holiday dedicated to chocolate.
Why do we celebrate Chocolate Day on October 1?
On October 1, L’Académie Française du Chocolat et de la Confiserie observes World Cacao and Chocolate Day, emphasis on cacao. This day is meant to be an opportunity to honour the entire chocolate production chain, starting with the farmers, and consider how cacao cultivation affects the planet.
How do you celebrate Chocolate Day?
If the answer doesn't immediately come to mind, then I don't think we can be friends :) The best way to celebrate Chocolate Day is, of course, to eat chocolate! And while you're at it, to savour each bite and think consciously about all the work that goes into producing this product from a tropical fruit.