When is National Mofongo Day? This day will take place on September 24 of each calendar year.
What is National Mofongo Day? On this day we will celebrate Puerto Rico’s national dish Mofongo, as part of the food culture on the island. Mofongo is one of the most iconic dishes on the island, and it’s made from fried plantains and smashed in a wooden mortar. Mofongo is a dish that brings all Puerto Ricans together. Mofongo evolved from fufu using the African method with vegetation available in the Caribbean. Plantains are most often used, but other starchy roots native to the island used by Taínos can also be used. Puerto Ricans have an obsession with fried food known collectively as cuchifrito in New York City and Kiosks in Puerto Rico. Spanish ingredients such as pork, garlic, broth, and olive oil are commonly used together in Puerto Rican cuisine and are found in staple dishes such as arroz con gandules, alcapurria, pasteles, habichuelas, recaíto, arroz junto, and others. The method of frying comes from the African side and is heavily used more than anyplace in the Caribbean. Broth is often made with chicken and sofrito. Sofrito is made with Spanish and Taíno fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Why is this day being celebrated or observed? This day is being created so that everyone can celebrate Mofongo and we can give homage to the most iconic Puerto Rican dish. We want all the Puerto Ricans around the US and World to have a day to celebrate Mofongo as part of Puerto Rican culture.
Mofongo evolved from fufu using the African method with vegetation available in the Caribbean. Plantains are most often used, but other starchy roots native to the island used by Taínos can also be used. Puerto Ricans have an obsession with fried food known collectively as cuchifrito in New York City and Kiosks in Puerto Rico. Spanish ingredients such as pork, garlic, broth, and olive oil are commonly used together in Puerto Rican cuisine and are found in staple dishes such as arroz con gandules, alcapurria, pasteles, habichuelas, recaíto, arroz junto, among others. The method of frying comes from the African side and is heavily used more than anyplace in the Caribbean. Broth is often made with chicken and sofrito. Sofrito is made with Spanish and Taíno fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
How should this day be celebrated or observed? This day should be celebrated by celebrating the Mofongo dish, and everyone paying homage to it. It should be celebrated at home, and it should be celebrated at restaurants as well. National Mofongo Day will eventually become a Puerto Rican holiday because of the love all Puerto Ricans have for this iconic dish. People can start by making the dish at home, sharing it with people that never had it before. Restaurants also can pay homage to this iconic dish by promoting it on social media and selling different kinds.
Who created this day? This day was created in August 2021 by Jose Mendin.