July 7th is no ordinary day – it’s World Chocolate Day! This internationally recognized annual celebration pays homage to one of the most beloved foods in the world - chocolate. It’s the perfect day for chocolate lovers to indulge their sweet cravings and celebrate their favorite treat.
Around the world, a variety of events, special offerings, and festivities take place to honor this delicious and versatile food and to celebrate the rich history and cultural import of chocolate.
History of World Chocolate Day
Tracing the roots of World Chocolate Day takes us back to the times of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations in Central America around 1900 BC. Chocolate was regarded as a valued product often used in religious rituals, exchanged as gifts, or even utilized as a medium of exchange.
Nonetheless, the observance of World Chocolate Day as an official global event is more recent. The first recognized celebration of this day was in 2009, though its history is actually older. July 7th was selected to mark the day chocolate was first brought to Europe in 1550. This introduction came about when the Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes presented the delights of chocolate from Mexico to his native Spain in the 16th century.
Prior to its arrival in Europe, chocolate was consumed in the Americas as a dense, bitter drink made from cacao beans, referred to as xocoatl. When introduced to Europe, additives such as sugar and other sweeteners were mixed into it, leading to the development of the familiar chocolate sweet we relish today.
World Chocolate Day serves as a chance for chocolate enthusiasts everywhere to savor their preferred chocolate treats. It also provides an opportunity for chocolate makers, artisanal chocolatiers, and chocolate sellers worldwide to commemorate the day by offering special deals or unveiling new sweet creations.
World Chocolate Day Timeline
The Discovery of Cocoa
The Mesoamerican people of Mexico and Guatemala were consuming chocolate beverages.
Cocoa Beans as Currency
The Aztecs used cocoa beans as a form of currency.
Chocolate's Introduction to Spain
Spanish explorers brought chocolate back to Spain from their trips to the ‘New World’.
First Chocolate House
The first chocolate house, similar to a coffee shop, opened in London.
Invention of the Cocoa Press
Conrad Van Houten invented the hydraulic cocoa press, leading to the production of modern chocolate.
Invention of Milk Chocolate
Daniel Peter invented milk chocolate by mixing a powdered milk developed by Henri Nestlé with the liquor.
Mass Production of Chocolate
With the advent of the industrial revolution, chocolate was mass produced and became affordable for everyone.
World Chocolate Day
The world started to celebrate chocolate on July 7. This date is believed to mark the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550.
Ideas to Celebrate World Chocolate Day
Chocolate Tasting Party
Invite your friends and family for a chocolate tasting party. Try out different types of chocolates and chocolate-based dishes and drinks, from milk chocolates, dark chocolates, and white chocolates to truffles and hot chocolate.
DIY Chocolate Making Class
Do a DIY chocolate making class at home. You can search different tutorials online. Try to make your own chocolate bars or truffles and share them with your friends and family.
Local Chocolatiers Tour
Support local businesses by going on a tour of local chocolates shops. Sample their specialties and spread the word about these hidden gems in your community.
Chocolate Movie Marathon
Celebrate by watching movies and documentaries about chocolate such as 'Chocolat', 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', and 'The Chocolate War'.
Visit a Chocolate Factory
If there is a chocolate factory nearby, plan a visit. Many factories have guided tours where you learn about the chocolate-making process.
8 Interesting Facts About Chocolate
Chocolate Was Once a Currency
In Mayan times, cocoa beans were used as a currency and a unit of exchange. In other words, the more cocoa beans you had, the richer you were.
Chocolate Comes From Fruit
Chocolate comes from the cacao tree, which is a relatively small evergreen tree that produces cacao pods. These pods contain cacao beans, which are ultimately processed into chocolate.
Cacao is a Perennial Plant
Cacao trees can live up to 200 years, but they produce beans for only 25 years of their lifespan.
Dark Chocolate is Good for your Health
Dark chocolate is rich in iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium. It's also full of antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
The Largest Chocolate Bar Weighed Over 5,000 Kg
According to the Guinness World Records, the largest chocolate bar weighed 5,792.50 Kg and was made by Thorntons PLC in the UK in 2011.
White Chocolate isn't Technically Chocolate
White chocolate doesn't contain any cocoa solids, which is the defining ingredient of chocolate. Instead, it's made from cocoa butter, a product of the cacao bean that's also used in skincare products.
Switzerland Consumes the Most Chocolate
According to global consumption statistics, Switzerland leads the world in chocolate consumption per capita, followed closely by Germany and Ireland.
Ancient Mayans Used Chocolate for Ceremonial Purposes
The Mayans believed the cacao tree was a divine gift, and they used cacao both as a form of currency and in their religious rituals.
World Chocolate Day FAQs
Next World Chocolate Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 7th | Friday |
| 2024 | July 7th | Sunday |
| 2025 | July 7th | Monday |
| 2026 | July 7th | Tuesday |
| 2027 | July 7th | Wednesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every July 7th | |
World Chocolate Day Word Search
- Chocolate
- Sweet
- Cocoa
- Fondue
- Dark
- Truffles