National Tortellini Day

National Tortellini Day, observed February 13th, celebrates the small, ring-shaped stuffed pasta traditionally filled with meat, cheese, or a combination, and associated with the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, particularly the cities of Bologna and Modena. Tortellini's exact origin is uncertain, but a well-known piece of local folklore claims the shape was inspired by an innkeeper who, captivated by a beautiful guest, peeked through a keyhole and glimpsed only her navel, then rushed to the kitchen to recreate its shape in pasta form; the story is charming but almost certainly a later legend rather than documented history. What is better established is that tortellini has been made in the region for centuries, traditionally served in a simple broth, known as "tortellini in brodo," especially as a comforting winter dish and a fixture of Christmas and special-occasion meals in Northern Italian households. As Italian cuisine spread internationally, tortellini became popular well beyond Italy, often served in the U.S. with cream or tomato-based sauces rather than the traditional broth. On National Tortellini Day, people celebrate by cooking tortellini at home, whether in broth or a heartier sauce, or dining at an Italian restaurant.