If there's one holiday that should be celebrated every day of the year, it might just be National Taco Day. Technically recognized on October 4 in the United States, this is an opportunity for families to take taco night to a whole new level!
The reason it's celebrated on this day in particular is a mystery, although it might be more than a coincidence that it takes place near the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 through October 15. Tacos are believed to have originated in ancient Mexico, long before the Spanish arrived, although the word "taco" is a relatively modern invention.
We've got five fun ways to help you celebrate National Taco Day with your family on October 4 — or any day you want to give 'em something to taco 'bout!
1. Start with a giggle.
Taco jokes can be so corny that they get a bad wrap, but we think this one is spec-taco-ular!
Q. Why shouldn't you ever trust tacos?
A. Because they always spill the beans!
2. Create the ultimate taco bar.
Taco night is a favorite family dinner because it's a versatile meal everyone can customize to their liking. Plus, it's easy to set up a taco bar that serves just 2 or 3 people for a regular dinner night or 53 people at a family reunion (speaking from experience here).
Like learning to deal with Colorado weather, it's all about the layers:
- Wraps: corn tortillas, flour tortillas
- Fillings: pork, chicken, beef, fish, shrimp, veggies
- Toppings: lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, black or pinto beans, corn, avocado, onion, jalapeños, cilantro
- Dressings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, Pico de Gallo
But if you want to really impress, invest in some fun taco holders! We love our Tacosaurus, but maybe you'd prefer a Taco Truck, Taco Cat, Cacti, or even a Unicorn!
3. Break out the slow cooker.
If you don't have time to prepare the ingredients but still want the taco flavor, let your slow cooker do the work. Taco Soup is a delicious meal the whole family will enjoy, and, just like a taco bar, it's easy to adjust to your family's preferences.
Get our recipe for Slow Cooker Taco Soup.
4. Read and craft.
When my kiddos were younger, one of their favorite books (and mine, too!) was Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin. It brought on the giggles no matter how many times we read it!
Follow up storytime with a simple craft. Search "taco craft" on YouTube for tons of ideas. We love this one from Girl Scouts of Colorado.
5. Eat local.
Many restaurants offer deals for National Taco Day. Of course, getting to eat tacos that someone else shopped for, prepped, cooked, and cleaned up is its own reward!
Here are some of our favorite Douglas County spots:
- Dos Santos Tacos, Castle Rock
- Las Potrancas, Parker
- Los Dos Potrillos, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Centennial, and Littleton
- Sazón, Lone Tree
- Torchy's Tacos, Highlands Ranch and tons of other locations
- Yolanda's Tacos, Castle Rock and Greenwood Village
