The arepa is a preparation that is a must in any breakfast or dinner in Venezuela. Typical of Venezuelan and Colombian gastronomy, which, for years, have been disputing its origin. The arepa is an icon of these two gastronomies, therefore, every second Saturday of September we celebrate Arepa Day, do you want to celebrate it with us?
What are arepas?
There are many different types of arepas. Cornbread is another name for arepas. They are a food made with corn flour, with a circular shape. In addition, we can prepare them with many ingredients, both for the dough and for the filling.
These preparations were already consumed in pre-Hispanic times by the natives. Corn was an essential food 3,000 years ago. And there are even writings detailing the use of special tools and instruments to process corn, as well as circular griddles to toast foods such as arepas.
Although originally, this food was used like bread, to accompany all kinds of dishes, at breakfast, lunch… In the mid-1950s, stuffed arepas appeared. Becoming a popular elaboration in itself.
Celebrate Arepa Day, every second Saturday of September.
This day was created by the Venezuelans in the World Organization in 2013. Its objective was to unite all Venezuelans, from all over the world, to pay homage to the arepa and celebrate this day with their loved ones. To somehow feel closer to their homeland.
The motto was: The arepa unites us.
It has also been a very important day to disseminate and publicize Venezuelan gastronomy. The arepa is a must on their tables.
If you also want to celebrate Arepa Day, don’t forget to share it with the world using the hashtag #DiaMundialDeLaArepa.
An important date
This day is celebrated in more than 250 cities around the world. In many places they prepare workshops, games, activities of all kinds… And you can find many promotions in different Venezuelan restaurants, so that everyone comes to taste their best arepas.
Some of the countries that celebrate it are Venezuela and Colombia, where this dish is really important; Germany, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Canada, Spain, Brazil?
And this dish became even more famous in 2014. When a popular travel and gastronomy blog in the world named the Venezuelan arepa as the best breakfast in a huge ranking. Above very diverse breakfasts, such as the American breakfast.
Some curiosities of the arepa to celebrate its day
Seventy-three percent of Colombians eat arepas for breakfast, making the arepa a cultural symbol of Colombia since 2006.
Did you know that the largest arepa in the world weighed 293 kilos? This record was broken on March 23, 2011, entering the Guinness Book of Records as the largest arepa in the world.
And you, do you dare to celebrate Arepa Day? Come to your nearest Venezuelan restaurant and celebrate this day. Don’t forget to share it on social media for everyone to celebrate; and tell us about it in the comments!
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