Why is Tapa Day celebrated in Spain

Every third Thursday of the month of June , Spain is celebrated on Tapa Day ; a celebration that has crossed borders and is now commemorated almost all over the world. With all the Tapa Day , it is a special date to celebrate this characteristic aperitif and a sign of Spanish identity.

For this 2021 , the Tapa Day is celebrated on Thursday, June 17. Do you want to know how it came about and other information about the Day of the Tapa ? Keep reading.

How did Tapa Day come about?

The Tapa Day is an initiative that comes from the Asociación Saborea España , which encourages all hoteliers to join the celebration of this day with tastings, contests, special presentations, etc.

Tapa Day is a special day to spread the culture of tapas and Spanish gastronomy. What's more, it is estimated that more than 60% of the establishments in Spain offer a free tapa as an accompaniment to the drink.

How were tapas born?

The origin of the tapas is somewhat uncertain and its steps are lost over the years. However, the most famous legend about its origin tells that King Alfonso X, El Sabio, ordered that no drink be served on Castilian tables that was not accompanied by a bite of food. This, to prevent the alcohol from quickly rising to the head.

At that time, tapas consisted of a slice of ham or cheese that was placed on the glass and that, in addition to food, served another function. This was so that the insects did not fall into the drink. In this way, the food was also served as a form of the lid of the cup and for them it remained with the name of lid.