Celebrating Tradition, Flavor, and Saint Anthony’s Legacy
While the United States is National Pizza Week, January 17th takes pizza celebrations to a global level with “World Pizza Day”. This day is more than a tribute to everyone’s favorite comfort food—it intertwines culinary tradition, cultural pride, and spiritual significance, coinciding with the feast of “Saint Anthony Abate”, the patron saint of bakers and fire.
The roots of this unique celebration run deep in Naples, the birthplace of pizza as we know it today. Historically, January 17th was a day of partial rest and festivity for Neapolitan pizzaioli. After a morning of crafting pizzas, they would gather for traditional celebrations outside the city, lighting bonfires in honor of Saint Anthony. Known for his protection of bakers and domestic animals, Saint Anthony’s connection to fire made him especially beloved by Naples’ pizza-makers, whose craft relies on the flames of their wood-fired ovens.
The bonfires symbolized more than warmth—they were a tribute to the saint’s legendary act of bringing fire to humanity. As legend has it, Saint Anthony ventured into hell, stole a spark of eternal fire, and carried it back to the world using his hollow staff. This gift allowed humanity to cook, stay warm, and transform their lives, a fitting tribute for a day dedicated to the creation of pizza, a dish made complete by fire.
In honor of Saint Anthony, the “Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana” created a special recipe called “Pizza Sant’Antonio”. This pizza uses symbolic ingredients to pay homage to the saint:
– Tomatoes for their fiery red color.
– Chili peppers for their heat and intensity.
– Sausage or spicy salami, representing the pig often depicted alongside Saint Anthony.
– Provolone del Monaco, a local cheese, nodding to his monastic roots.
World Pizza Day, officially recognized in 1984, celebrates pizza’s journey from humble Neapolitan origins to its status as a global culinary icon. In 2010, the European Union granted “Neapolitan pizza” Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) status, cementing its cultural importance. Later, UNESCO recognized the art of Neapolitan pizza-making, or “pizzaiuolo,” as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” in 2017, solidifying its legacy.
Today, pizza is not just a dish; it’s a universal language of flavor. From New York’s thin crust to Chicago’s deep dish and Tokyo’s sushi-inspired pizzas, every culture has embraced and reimagined this Italian masterpiece. Yet, Naples remains the soul of pizza, and World Pizza Day honors its traditions while celebrating its global appeal.
Around the world, people mark this day with pizza tastings, cooking classes, and competitions showcasing the skill and creativity of pizzaioli. Naples, however, stays true to its roots, celebrating with bonfires, music, and endless servings of pizza. For locals, the day also holds a deeper meaning. As the old Neapolitan saying goes, “Chi festeggia Sant’Antuono, tutto l’anno ‘o pass’ bbuon”—those who celebrate Saint Anthony will have a good year.
As January 17th approaches, take a moment to appreciate the history behind your favorite slice. Whether it’s a classic Margherita or a modern twist with exotic toppings, pizza is more than food—it’s a tradition, a celebration, and a symbol of connection.
So, light a (symbolic) bonfire, indulge in a slice of “Pizza Sant’Antonio”, and toast to the saint who brought warmth and light to the world—and to your plate. And remember the saying : those who celebrate Saint Anthony will have a good year.
Buon appetito!
Giada
About Giada Valenti
Singer and songwriter Giada Valenti was born and raised in Venice, Italy. She is best known in the United States for her PBS music special From Venice with Love, which aired nationally in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In November 2017, she debuted as a headliner in Las Vegas with a concert at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. In October 2018, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, where she returned by popular demand in 2019. Another highlight was being asked by Andrea Bocelli to sing with him, at a concert benefitting his foundation. Her albums include And I Love You So, Italian Signorina, My Lullaby, and From Venice with Love. Giada is also a Tiramisu expert and has done cooking demos on television shows around the country making the famous Italian dessert. Giada has also been a co-host for several years for the Columbus Day Parade on ABC7 in New York.