August 23: Meatball Day (Sweden)

Meatball Day (Köttbullens dag) is observed in Sweden every August 23, celebrating one of the country’s iconic dishes, Swedish meatballs. These meatballs, typically made from a mix of ground beef and pork, are regarded as a national dish and are often served with gravy, mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumbers. The origin of Swedish meatballs is debated, with some attributing their introduction to King Charles XII after his time in the Ottoman Empire, while others suggest Italian or French roots. The first recorded recipe appeared in a cookbook by Cajsa Warg in 1755, and the dish gained popularity in the mid-19th century with the advent of meat grinders. Today, Swedish meatballs are widely recognized globally, particularly due to their presence in IKEA restaurants, which sold one billion meatballs worldwide in 2019. Meatball Day provides a delightful opportunity for people to enjoy this beloved comfort food.

August 23: Meatball Day (Sweden)