Tortellini are ring-shaped pieces of pasta that are believed to be originally created in the region of Bologna and Modena in Italy. It’s a pasta that’s been around for hundreds of years and is traditionally stuffed with a mixture of meat, egg, cheese, and is often served in a broth. It’s a pasta that’s seen a rise in popularity all over the world, so it shouldn’t be surprising that it has its own holiday. A holiday that falls on February 13th and is aptly named National Tortellini Day.
The History Of Tortellini
Unfortunately, we were unable to uncover the roots of National Tortellini Day, but we were able to uncover the roots of tortellini. It’s believed to go back to at least the 16th century. In 1570, Bartolomeo Scappi unveiled a dished he called torteletti—which is believed to be the first incarnation of tortellini. However, that hasn’t been proven to be true, and both Bologna and Modena claim to be the birthplace of this pasta. So needless to say, its origins are still disputed.
Since its origins are unknown, there are several legends about this dish. One legend puts the origin of tortellini in the town of Castelfranco Emilia—a town that’s located halfway between Bologna and Modena. According to this legend, the goddess Venus stops at an inn in the town, and the innkeeper spies on her through a keyhole as she undresses. He is unable to see her entire body, but he can see her belly button through the keyhole. The legend says he’s so inspired by the beauty of her belly button he decides to create tortellini in its shape to honor the goddess.
Fun Facts About Tortellini
Want to learn more about tortellini? If you do, then check out these interesting and fun facts about these ring-shaped pieces of stuffed pasta.
- Tortellini is sometimes called ombelico pasta because they’re shaped like a navel.
- Before the 19th century, tortellini was a dish often served only to the rich.
- One legend says that tortellini were created to look like turtles instead of navels.
- The Learned Order of the Tortellini honor and protect the traditions surround tortellini.
Observing National Tortellini Day
Anyone who is yearning to celebrate National Tortellini Day can do it easily by just whipping up a bowl of this pasta. It doesn’t matter if you go with a traditional Tuscan tortellini recipe or a garlic and cheese recipe, just make sure that you make the one that you like. While you’re enjoying your pasta, be sure to take a picture of the pasta and post it on social media using the hashtag #NationalTortelliniDay to let everyone know that you’re celebrating this tasty holiday.
When is National Tortellini Day? |
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| This year (2023) | February 13 (Monday) |
| Next year (2024) | February 13 (Tuesday) |
| Last year (2022) | February 13 (Sunday) |