
National BagelFest Day
Circular delights, golden-brown, with a chewy embrace—a dance of textures in every bite, breakfast perfection encapsulated.
Enjoy a whole day and all sorts of activities and celebrations dedicated just to this simple-yet-complicated ring of bread. That’s right, it’s time for National BagelFest Day!
How to Celebrate National BagelFest Day
Show some love on National BagelFest Day with some of these fun and delicious ideas:
Enjoy Some Bagels
Sesame seed, blueberry, everything, pumpernickel or poppyseed, when it comes to delicious bagels there are dozens of options to choose from!
While the plain option is certainly a classic that can be paired with a wide range of toppings or “schmear”, there are also others to choose from such as whole grain, cinnamon raisin and sourdough.
Honestly, there are too many to list, and probably too many to try all in one day on National BagelFest Day, but that’s okay if the celebration rolls over into the week – or the whole month, even!
Try Unique Bagel Toppings
In addition to the traditional cream cheese or butter, bagels can act as a canvas for all sorts of exciting toppings.
And National BagelFest Day is just the time to get creative. Go for peanut butter and banana, avocado and fried egg, smoked salmon, or even ricotta with blueberries. The sky is the limit when it comes to adventurous bagels!
Attend BagelFest in Mattoon, Illinois
Those who live nearby, or others who may live far away but are always looking for quirky little small town events to visit, can pop over to Mattoon, Illinois in late July to find the entire town of 16,870 people all decked out and ready to celebrate bagels!
Okay, maybe not every person will show up but many of them do and it promises to be loads of fun for everyone!
Make Bagels at Home
These soft, chewy and delicious bread rings may be easier to make than most people think.
Sure, they take some effort because the dough needs to be boiled and then baked, but the results can be simply amazing. Grab some online recipes and tips, then see how it goes!
History of National BagelFest Day
National BagelFest Day was founded by Murray Lender, who was the owner of the American bagel chain, Lender’s Bagels and the bagel factory behind the company, which started operation in Mattoon, Illinois in 1986.
As the owner of the company that brought the factory to the tiny town, Lender wanted to do something nice for the people, so he initiated hosting a free bagel breakfast.
Since that time, more than 35 years later, BagelFest has been celebrated annually in Mattoon and it has grown into a larger celebration that sometimes spans over several days. Activities for BagelFest have included a Bagel Baby contest, a Miss BagelFest competition, parades, live music and so much more.
In a slightly different vein from the long standing tradition of National BagelFest Day in Illinois, more recent BagelFest options have also popped up in what may be considered the American home of bagels – New York City.
Featuring a Best Bagel contest from different companies, bagel classes, bagel tours and tons of other activities, this version has been celebrated over a weekend in late autumn since 2020.
No matter when it started or where the festival takes place, National BagelFest Day acts as a perfect reminder of what amazing food bagels are!
National BagelFest Day FAQs
What is the connection between bagels and Yiddish proverbs?
Bagels feature prominently in Yiddish sayings. For example, “A bagel has a hole, but it’s still whole” suggests a metaphor for finding value despite imperfections.
These cultural expressions showcase the bagel’s deep roots in Jewish traditions and its use as a symbol of resilience and balance in life.
Did bagels influence any famous pop culture moments?
Yes! In Seinfeld, the “Festivus Bagel Strike” episode humorously featured bagels as a key plot point.
This iconic sitcom helped introduce younger audiences to bagels, blending humor with everyday life. Bagels continue to make appearances in films, TV shows, and even stand-up comedy routines.
How are bagels used in competitive eating contests?
Bagel-eating contests, while rare, are a test of endurance due to their dense texture.
Competitors must chew carefully, making the events slower-paced but equally intense.
One famous contest in New York involves eating as many bagels as possible within ten minutes, a challenging feat due to their chewiness.
What role do bagels play in international breakfasts?
In Canada, bagels—especially the Montreal-style—are breakfast staples, served with smoked salmon and cream cheese.
In Israel, bagel-like breads called “bagels Jerusalem” are a popular street food, often sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with za’atar. Each country adds its own flair to the tradition.
Why are bagels a symbol of good luck in some cultures?
Bagels are round, symbolizing the circle of life and continuity. Some believe eating a bagel on New Year’s Day brings prosperity and luck.
This belief likely stems from bagels’ association with cycles and completeness, which align with themes of renewal.
How did bagels become connected with Sunday brunch culture?
In the U.S., bagels became brunch staples through Jewish delis in the mid-20th century.
Pairing bagels with lox and cream cheese grew into a brunch tradition, especially in New York. Today, they’re a must-have in upscale brunch menus and family gatherings alike.
Have any famous people endorsed bagels?
Albert Einstein reportedly loved bagels, as did Marilyn Monroe.
Monroe was once photographed eating a bagel with cream cheese, boosting their appeal as a glamorous yet accessible food.
Bagels have even been name-dropped in celebrity interviews and social media posts.
What are some unusual bagel flavors around the world?
In Japan, matcha-flavored bagels with sweet bean paste are popular. Australia experiments with Vegemite bagels, while in Mexico, bagels stuffed with spicy chipotle cream cheese are trendy.
These creative adaptations highlight the bagel’s versatility in global cuisines.
What is the connection between bagels and sports teams?
The Montreal Canadiens hockey team once offered free bagels to fans during games as a promotional strategy.
In the U.S., minor league baseball teams sometimes serve bagel-inspired concessions to celebrate local bakeries. Bagels occasionally serve as mascots in quirky promotional events.
How did World War II influence the spread of bagels?
After World War II, Jewish soldiers shared bagels with their non-Jewish peers, helping to popularize them across the U.S. Returning soldiers sought the comforting taste of bagels, which boosted demand.
This post-war expansion laid the groundwork for bagels to enter mainstream American food culture.
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