National Hoagie Day
When is National Hoagie Day? This holiday is always a May 5 Holiday
National Hoagie Day is today. This May 5 holiday gives us a special day to enjoy and celebrate a big, tasty hoagie. This big sandwich is known by several names: hoagie, sub, submarine, or a hero sandwich. Hoagies are a regular on most diets in America. People eat them for lunch, dinner, and even as a late-night snack. It’s a quick meal or people on the go.
The popularity of the Hoagie sub is partly due to the diversity and variety of its contents. It can be hot or cold, luncheon meat or meatballs, and contains your choice of a variety of cheeses. Then, the fun begins as you pile on any number and combinations of extras.
For the Record: According to the Guinness World Book of Records the largest hoagie sandwich was made in Lebanon on May 22, 2011. It measured 2,411 feet 5 inches long.
Hoagies - Call Them What You Will
Italian immigrants working on Hog Island, PA created Hoagies in the early 20th century. This popular sandwich was originally called a “Hoggie”. Then, it became a “Hoagie”. Hoagies have a variety of other names. Many people call them “Submarines”. We also call them “Italian Subs”. It is usually shortened to “Subs”. As a matter of fact, “Sub” is the most common name given to this long sandwich.
We also call it a “Hero” sandwich. Food writer and columnist Clementine Paddleford once called it a sandwich so large “you had to be a hero to eat it”. As a result, people began asking at delis for a hero sandwich.
You can call it a “Grinder”, too. This is a very common term that originated in the New England area for the hoagie sandwich. There are two theories on how this name came about. First, some folks speculate it earned the name as you have to grind your teeth to chew the crusty roll. Second, it is Italian slang used by New England dockworkers.
And, it has yet another name. The shape of a hoagie looks like a torpedo. So, guess what some people call it!? You guessed it! In some parts of the country, you can order a torpedo sandwich and receive a Hoagie.
Have it Your Way
Everyone has a favorite Hoagie. One of the great things about this sandwich is its construction is endlessly versatile. Importantly, ordering a hoagie is not a time for indecision. Here are some of the big decisions you need to make when you order a hoagie:
- Have it hot or cold.
- Many delis and sub shops offer multiple types of bread. While Italian or plain is most common, there are many other breads to choose from. How does multi-grain or honey oat sound? These are just a couple of the often many bread options.
- The texture of the roll is important to many of us. Some prefer a soft roll. While many devoted hoagie lovers say they absolutely must be made on a sub roll that is so crispy on the outside that it almost cuts your mouth and tongue.
- The selection of meat is key to enjoying your hoagie. Ham and assorted Italian meats are the most popular choices. You can also opt for chicken, turkey, or roast beef. Others prefer tuna sub. And, let’s not forget the tasty hot meatball sub.
- If you’re a vegetarian, you can make a vegetarian hoagie.
- Cheese is an absolute “Must have” for most hoagie fans. What kind do you like? Among the most popular cheese choices for subs are provolone and Swiss cheese. But, if you don’t like those two choices, there are plenty of other cheeses to choose from.
- Now let’s select from an unending list of condiments. Hoagies usually begin with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Then sweet and hot peppers are often added. Many, many other options exist, too.
- Importantly, to be a true Italian hoagie, it must have Italian dressing. Oil and vinegar qualify, too. But, other options exist. Mayonnaise is popular. So is plain oil or oil and vinegar.
How to Celebrate and Participate in National Hoagie Day
How can we celebrate and participate in National Hoagie Day?
- Eat a Hoagie for at least one meal or a snack. Yes, they are good as a snack.
- Companies and organizations – Treat your staff to subs for lunch.
- Buy one.
- Make one at home.
National Hoagie Day Quote
“Don’t aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference.” – – Denzel Washington
History and Origin of National Hoagie Day
Our research did not find the creator or the origin of this day. The earliest reference we found to this holiday was in 1011.
There are no congressional records to confirm that this is truly a national day. Nor, did we find a presidential proclamation.
Definition of “National” Days – and why it is important to distinguish true National days.
This Day in History
In addition to National Hoagie Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
- Kublai Khan the grandson of Genghis Khan becomes ruler of the Mongol Empire. (1260)
- Alan Shepard rides “Freedom 7” to become 1st American in space. (1961)
- Danielle Fishel, Actress, “Topanga” on TV series “Boy Meets World” was born on this day in 1981.
Related Holidays
If you like National Hoagie Day, then here is another holiday for you to enjoy and celebrate:
National Eat a Hoagie Day – Wow! We’ve got two holidays to celebrate one of America’s favorite sandwiches.
More May 5 Holidays
In addition to National Hoagie Day, here are more May 5 holidays you will enjoy:
More About Today
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Did You Know? Furthermore, in addition to National Hoagie Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. May holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.