Celebrate the Icon of Italian Cuisine!
January 17 is a special date for all lovers of good food: it marks World Pizza Day, an opportunity to celebrate one of the most loved and well-known dishes in the world. Pizza is not just a dish—it is a symbol of conviviality, tradition, and culinary creativity, capable of bringing together people of all ages and cultures around a table.
Why Is It Celebrated in January?
The choice of this date is no coincidence. January 17 coincides with the feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot, who is considered the patron saint of pizza makers and bakers. In the past, masters of dough would gather to light bonfires and celebrate their patron saint. This tradition, which combined work, devotion, and celebration, made January 17 a symbol of the culture of bread and pizza.
Today, all over the world—from Italy to the United States, from Japan to Australia—pizza is celebrated in every possible variation and style. It is a dish that transcends cultural boundaries and unites everyone with its irresistible aroma and its simple yet perfect shape.
A Global Dish with Italian Roots
Although countless versions of pizza exist today, its heart remains deeply Italian. The art of true Neapolitan pizza, for example, was recognized in 2017 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, highlighting the historical and cultural value of this preparation.
Pizza originated as a popular street food in the streets of Naples—simple and accessible to all—but capable of becoming a gourmet experience thanks to the quality of its ingredients and the skill of the pizza maker. Today, there are more than 70 official variations, and every Italian region adds its own special touch, from traditional toppings to creative and seasonal versions.
How to Celebrate Pizza Day at Home
Want to celebrate this day without leaving home? It’s the perfect time to make your own homemade pizza, using fresh ingredients and plenty of passion. Making pizza from scratch isn’t difficult, but it does require attention to a few details: the dough must rise for the right amount of time, the oven temperature must be high, and the toppings should be balanced between simplicity and flavor.
We’ve prepared a complete and detailed recipe to help you make the perfect dough and a delicious pizza to share with family and friends.
Discover the full recipe here: Homemade Pizza
In our guide, you’ll find:
- ingredients and precise quantities for a soft and aromatic dough;
- practical tips for proofing and shaping;
- techniques to bake pizza just like in a pizzeria;
- creative ideas for traditional and gourmet toppings.
Fun Facts and Extra Tips
- The world’s largest pizza was made in South Africa and measured over 1,200 square meters!
- The most expensive pizza can cost hundreds of euros, featuring ingredients such as caviar, white truffle, and edible gold.
- The perfect pairing: a cola or a craft beer completes the tasting experience.
For those who want to make the day even more special, Pizza Day can be the perfect occasion for a themed evening, preparing pizzas in different shapes and flavors and challenging friends and family to create their most original version.
Discover More About Flavors and Culinary Curiosities
Pizza Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Italian cuisine and get inspired by new ideas in the kitchen. If you’d like to continue your journey through the world of flavors, you’ll find more recipes, curiosities, and tips on our blog to make every meal special.
And for those who love bringing the very best of flavor to the table, in our gourmet sauce shop you’ll find artisanal products made with selected ingredients and prepared according to Italian tradition—perfect for enhancing your dishes and surprising your guests.
