National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day
Celebrate National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day!
November 12 is a delightful day that pizza lovers can savor — it’s National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day! This fun food holiday invites everyone to enjoy one of the most beloved dishes around. So, whether you’re a pepperoni enthusiast or a veggie lover, it’s a great excuse to gather your family and friends for a pizza party!
A Slice of History
The exact origin of National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day isn’t well documented. According to South Florida Reporter, pizza’s history reaches back to ancient flatbreads, including Roman flatbread topped with a fermented fish sauce called garum. The modern pizza began in Italy as a Neapolitan flatbread. The holiday celebrates piling on other favorite toppings while leaving anchovies off the pizza.
Why No Anchovies?
Ah, anchovies! While some aficionados appreciate their savory, salty flavor, anchovies tend to be a polarizing topping. National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day is a chance to celebrate personal taste — and to enjoy pizza without anchovies. This day is not just about pizza; it’s about enjoying culinary choices and embracing what makes you happy.
Fun Facts About Pizza
- The First U.S. Pizzeria: According to South Florida Reporter, the first pizza establishment in the United States opened in 1905 in New York’s Little Italy.
- A Neapolitan Beginning: South Florida Reporter describes modern pizza as beginning in Italy as a Neapolitan flatbread.
- Ancient Toppings: According to South Florida Reporter, the Romans topped flatbreads with garum, a fermented fish sauce.
Ways to Celebrate
National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day is the perfect occasion to get creative! Here are some fun and engaging ways to celebrate:
- Host a Pizza Party: Gather your friends and family for a pizza-making night! Set up a toppings bar with everything except anchovies and let everyone create their own masterpiece.
- Try a New Recipe: Explore gourmet recipes that put a twist on traditional pizza. Think about making a BBQ chicken pizza or a Mediterranean-inspired option loaded with artichokes and olives!
- Support Local Pizzerias: This is a great day to order from your local pizzeria. Share the love by trying a pizza with “works” toppings and leave anchovies off the list!
- Pizza-Themed Games: Turn the celebration into some fun activities! Organize pizza trivia or a pizza-themed scavenger hunt for kids and adults alike.
Pizza-Related Trivia
According to South Florida Reporter, the first pizza establishment in the United States opened in 1905 in New York’s Little Italy. The report also notes that Saturday night is the most popular night to eat pizza. That’s a rich history for a dish we still enjoy in countless variations today!
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it! National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day is a festive occasion that invites everyone to enjoy one of the most loved meals around the world. With so many ways to celebrate, don’t miss your chance to enjoy your favorite flavors while leaving anchovies off the menu for this special day! Grab your ingredients, invite your friends over, and let the pizza-making fun begin!
When is National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day?
National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day: Every year on November 12.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 12 | Thursday |
| 2027 | November 12 | Friday |
| 2028 | November 12 | Sunday |
| 2029 | November 12 | Monday |
| 2030 | November 12 | Tuesday |
Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on October 21, 2026 · Last updated October 21, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day in 2026?
National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day is on Thursday, November 12, 2026. After that, it falls on Friday, November 12, 2027. Every year on November 12.
Is National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day a public holiday?
No. National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
What does National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day celebrate?
It celebrates enjoying pizza with a variety of favorite toppings while leaving anchovies off. The day also recognizes that pizza toppings are a matter of personal taste.
How did National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day start?
The exact origin of the day isn't well documented. The holiday celebrates pizza topped with other favorites but without anchovies.
How can you celebrate National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day?
Make pizza with friends or family and set out a toppings bar without anchovies, try a new pizza recipe, or order from a local pizzeria. You can also play pizza-themed games or trivia.
Sources
✓ Date matches South Florida Reporter: 0.003% Of Americans Select Anchovies As A Topping Of Their Choice On A Pizza. (checked automatically on October 18, 2026).
