National Cuban Sandwich Day is observed annually on August 23, primarily in the United States. This food holiday celebrates the Cuban sandwich, a variation of the ham and cheese sandwich made with crusty Cuban bread, ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, and dill pickles, with variations including salami, lettuce, and tomatoes depending on the region. The sandwich is believed to have originated in Florida, specifically in Key West or Tampa, during the late 19th century, popularized by Cuban immigrants working in local cigar factories and sugar mills. Notably, Tampa claims the “Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich” as its signature dish, leading to a playful rivalry with Miami over which city offers the best version. The holiday was created in 2016 by journalist Christopher Spata, who aimed to establish a new food holiday, and it has since gained popularity, with people celebrating by enjoying Cuban sandwiches at restaurants or making them at home. Participants often share their culinary creations on social media using the hashtag #NationalCubanSandwichDay.