National Chicken-Fried Steak Day is observed in the United States every October 26, celebrating the popular Southern dish known as chicken-fried steak. This dish, which consists of a tenderized piece of beefsteak coated in seasoned flour and fried, is linked to the cooking technique used for fried chicken. The origins of chicken-fried steak are believed to stem from European dishes like Wiener schnitzel and veal alla Milanese, introduced to the U.S. by Austrian and German immigrants in the early 19th century. Lamesa, Texas, claims to be the birthplace of this dish and hosts an annual Chicken-Fried Steak Festival. Typical customs include dining out at restaurants that serve chicken-fried steak or preparing it at home, often accompanied by sides like mashed potatoes and gravy. Celebrants are encouraged to share their meals on social media using the hashtag #NationalChickenFriedSteakDay.