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National Spanish Paella Day: History, significance and 5 facts you should know

Spain's national dish, paella, had modest beginnings in the outskirts of Valencia, a significant rice-producing region close to the Mediterranean Sea

National Spanish Paella Day, observed on March 27, honors a dish steeped in rich tradition. The rice dish paella, which is widely regarded as Spain's national cuisine, was first made over an open fire by farmworkers for lunch, just like many other traditional recipes.

The dish's name is most likely derived from the Roman word "patella," a flat pan on which sacrifices were offered to the gods. It is always prepared in a round, flat-bottomed pan with handles. Paella is pronounced as pie-ay-ya.

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History and Significance of National Spanish Paella Day 

Spain's national dish, paella, wasn't previously well recognized. It had modest beginnings in the outskirts of Valencia, a significant rice-producing region close to the Mediterranean Sea. The earliest paella is said to have been made by hungry farmworkers using everything they could find.

In addition to saffron or other pricey spices, you can also add rabbit, duck, or poultry for special occasions. Due to Valencia's closeness to the sea, seafood is a common ingredient in local dishes.

The dish "symbolizes the unity and heritage of two significant cultures, the Roman, which offers us the utensil, and the Arab, which brought us the basic aliment of humanity for centuries: rice," according to Spanish cuisine historian Lourdes March.

Interesting facts about National Spanish Paella Day 

Here are some interesting facts by Hey Explorer about the Spanish dish Paella.

1. Paella is the name of the pan, not the dish.

2. Paella has an alternate, romantic past.

3. 19th century saw the introduction of paella in trade fairs.

4. The largest paella ever made fed over 100,000 people.

5. Dish is prepared for an even number of people.

A chef posted a GIF on Twitter, wishing, "Happy National Spanish Paella Day!!! Did you know that was today? You better get started on your mise en place."

Another user replied and shared a paella picture that he cooked in 2022, "The last paella I made (from July). It’s time for another."