World Tapas Day

World Tapas Day is celebrated annually on the third Thursday in June.

It is to honor the Spanish tradition of tapas—small, flavorful dishes typically served with drinks. Since 2016, Spain’s tourism agency, Turespaña, has promoted the day globally to celebrate Spanish cuisine and culture.

Originating in Spain, tapas come from the Spanish verb tapar (“to cover”), with historical roots tied to covering drinks with bread or meat to keep flies away, or to King Alfonso X’s decree to serve food with wine to reduce intoxication.