National Pig Day 2023: Date, History, Facts

National Pig Day, observed annually on March 1, is the ideal occasion to recognise how pigs have integrated into American culture. Pigs appear in paintings, costumes, stuffed animals, collectibles, piggy banks, films, books, and, of course, on the dinner table. Pigs have lived throughout the United States on farms, in zoos, and even in our homes as pets for many years. It is only fitting to dedicate a day to this easily recognisable and lovable animal and to learn more about how they have shaped our culture and history.

The background of National Pig Day

Pigs roamed the Earth as early as 40 million years ago, and it is believed that their ancestors were first domesticated approximately 9,000 years ago in China and other parts of western Asia. Later, around 3,500 years ago, the Romans introduced pig breeding. In parts of Asia and the Middle East, pork consumption was prohibited, but Europeans continued to refine purpose-driven pig breeds until the 1500s.

It was around this time that the first domesticated pigs arrived in North America. Christopher Columbus is believed to have brought eight pigs with him to Cuba in 1493 during his second voyage to the “New World” Hernando de Soto, Columbus’ successor in exploring the Americas, brought 13 pigs with him when he landed in what is now Tampa Bay, Florida, establishing the first domesticated pigs in what would become the United States of America.

In 1972, two sisters, Ellen Stanley and Mary Lynne Rave, decided it was time “to accord the pig its rightful, but generally unrecognised, place as one of man’s most intelligent and domesticated animals.”

In that year, the first official celebration was held with the intention of honouring the pig rather than serving it as the main course. Since then, cities across the nation have organised events such as “snort-off” contests, pig parades, and pig-themed arts and crafts.

As with dogs and cats, potbellied pigs make excellent pets, and there are currently over one million of them in the United States and Canada. The majority of people interact with pigs most frequently at the dinner table. Over 80 million tonnes of pork are produced each year, accounting for forty percent of all meat consumption. As we celebrate National Pig Day, we would be remiss if we didn’t express our appreciation for all things pork.

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