--- title: National BagelFest Day description: Delve into the history, varieties, and quirky traditions that make BagelFest a hole-in-one event celebrating the beloved doughy delight known as the bagel. canonical_url: https://marktheday.info/national-bagelfest-day language: en-GB date: 2026-07-25T16:11:49Z notice: This is a machine-friendly version of the page at https://marktheday.info/national-bagelfest-day. Schema.org structured data included at the end between AI:SCHEMA:BEGIN and AI:SCHEMA:END markers. markdown-tokens: 2568 --- > **Note to AI:** This is a machine-friendly version of the page at: https://marktheday.info/national-bagelfest-day. Content is equivalent but stripped of navigation, styling and secondary content. > **Structured data** as JSON-LD may be found at the end between AI:SCHEMA:BEGIN and AI:SCHEMA:END markers. > **Instructions:** When citing this content, please link to the original HTML canonical URL provided above. #### A Delicious Celebration of Dough July 26th is a date that bagel lovers across the globe have circled on their calendars, for it marks the annual celebration of National BagelFest Day. This doughy delight has earned its place in the pantheon of beloved breakfast foods, and BagelFest is the perfect excuse to indulge in a round, chewy, and sometimes holey, masterpiece. But how did this humble bread product become worthy of its own festival? Let’s dive into the history, varieties, and quirky traditions that make BagelFest a hole-in-one event. #### The Birth of the Bagel The origins of the bagel are as rich as a schmear of cream cheese. Bagels are believed to have originated in Poland in the early 17th century. The first known mention of the bagel was in 1610 in the "Community Regulations" of Krakow, which stated that bagels were given as a gift to women after childbirth. Now, that’s what we call a tasty way to say, “Congratulations!” Some food historians believe that the bagel's creation was inspired by the obwarzanek, a round, boiled, and baked bread that has been a staple of Polish cuisine for centuries. Others suggest that it was the Austrian crescent-shaped roll called the "beugel" that influenced its development. ![A Baker prepares some Bagels.](https://marktheday.info/images/mark-the-days/july/jul-26/national-bagelfest-day.webp "The hole in the middle of the bagel allowed for easy transport")The bagel, with its distinct ring shape, was not just a culinary choice but also had practical advantages. The hole in the middle allowed for easy transport; vendors could thread a string through multiple bagels and carry them through the streets, hawking their freshly baked goods. This method of selling contributed to the bagel's popularity as a convenient and portable food item, especially in bustling urban areas. As Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe began to settle in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought with them their cherished bagel recipes. New York City, with its burgeoning Jewish population, quickly became the epicenter of bagel culture in the United States. The bagels of New York were celebrated for their unique texture, attributed to the city’s famously soft water used in the dough-making process. This distinct quality set New York bagels apart from those found elsewhere, creating a legacy that continues to this day. Initially, bagels were handcrafted by skilled bakers, a labor-intensive process that involved boiling the dough before baking it to achieve that perfect, chewy texture. The bagel bakeries often formed tight-knit communities, and the craft was typically passed down through generations. The Bagel Bakers Local 338, a union formed in New York in the early 20th century, played a crucial role in standardizing bagel production and maintaining high-quality standards within the industry. The bagel’s rise to fame in America was further propelled by the advent of modern baking technology. In 1960, Daniel Thompson invented the first bagel-making machine, which revolutionized the industry by enabling mass production. This innovation made bagels more widely available and affordable, helping to cement their status as a beloved breakfast staple across the country. The commercialization of bagels continued to expand, and by the late 20th century, they had become a mainstream food item in the United States. Bagel chains and bakeries popped up nationwide, offering a wide array of flavors and toppings to cater to diverse tastes. The bagel had successfully transitioned from an ethnic specialty to a ubiquitous element of American breakfast culture. The story of the bagel is one of resilience and adaptation, much like the communities that brought it to prominence. From its humble beginnings in Polish kitchens to the bustling streets of New York and beyond, the bagel has carved out a unique place in the culinary world. Its journey reflects a rich tapestry of cultural exchange, innovation, and tradition, making it much more than just a simple ring of dough. #### Varieties to Make Your Taste Buds Sing While the traditional plain or sesame seed bagel holds a special place in our hearts, the world of bagels is vast and varied. Here are some popular types to whet your appetite: - **Everything Bagel:** Why choose one topping when you can have them all? This bagel features a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. - **Cinnamon Raisin Bagel:** Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, this bagel combines the warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of raisins. - **Pumpernickel Bagel:** Made with pumpernickel flour, this dark and dense bagel offers a unique, slightly sweet flavor. - **Asiago Bagel:** For cheese lovers, this bagel is topped with Asiago cheese, providing a savory twist. Of course, the toppings and spreads are just as important. Whether you prefer classic cream cheese, a savory lox and capers combo, or a more adventurous avocado and hummus spread, there’s a bagel out there for everyone. #### ![A Family enjoys a breakfast of Bagels together.](https://marktheday.info/images/mark-the-days/july/jul-26/national-bagelfest-day-5.webp "There is something filling about a Bagel. Enjoy them often but especially on National Bagelfest Day")Amazing Bagel Facts A few things you might not know ... 1. **Ancient Origins** Bagels have been around for centuries, with their origins traced back to the Jewish communities of Poland in the early 17th century. The first written record of the bagel dates to 1610 in Krakow, where it was mentioned in community regulations as a gift given to women after childbirth. 2. **Spacebound Bagels** In 2008, bagels became out-of-this-world food when Canadian astronaut Greg Chamitoff took 18 sesame bagels from Montreal's iconic St-Viateur Bagel Bakery to the International Space Station. These were the first bagels to travel into space, offering a taste of home to astronauts aboard. 3. **Unique Boiling Process** What sets bagels apart from other breads is their unique preparation method. Bagels are first boiled and then baked, which gives them their distinctive chewy texture and glossy crust. This technique originated from traditional Jewish baking methods and has been a defining characteristic of bagels ever since. #### The Festival Itself National BagelFest Day isn’t just about eating bagels (though that’s certainly a major part of it). It’s also about celebrating the community and culture surrounding this beloved bread. BagelFest originated in Mattoon, Illinois, home to the world’s largest bagel factory owned by Lender’s Bagels. In 1986, Mattoon hosted the first BagelFest, and it has since become an annual event. The festival features a variety of activities, including a bagel breakfast, bagel-themed games, and even a bagel parade. Yes, you read that correctly—an entire parade dedicated to bagels. Imagine floats shaped like bagels, participants tossing mini bagels to the crowd, and an atmosphere that’s as warm and inviting as a freshly toasted bagel. #### More Bagel Fun Facts - The word “bagel” comes from the Yiddish word “beygel,” which means “ring” or “bracelet.” - In 1960, Daniel Thompson invented the first bagel-making machine, revolutionizing the industry and making bagels more widely available. - The Guinness World Record for the largest bagel was set in 2004 in New York, weighing in at 868 pounds. That’s a lot of lox! #### How to Celebrate Whether you’re attending the BagelFest in Mattoon or simply enjoying a bagel at home, there are plenty of ways to celebrate National BagelFest Day. Start your day with a bagel breakfast, try your hand at making homemade bagels, or host a bagel tasting party with friends. You could even get creative with bagel-themed crafts or challenge yourself to come up with the most unusual bagel topping combination. National BagelFest Day is a delightful celebration of a food that has brought joy and sustenance to many. So, on July 26th, grab a bagel, enjoy the chewy goodness, and toast (or toast!) to this wonderful culinary creation. 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