National Roast Suckling Pig Day

National Roast Suckling Pig Day is observed annually on December 18. This culinary holiday celebrates a dish revered for centuries as the ultimate centerpiece for feasts, honoring the preparation of a young pig to achieve tender meat and perfectly crisp skin.

History of National Roast Suckling Pig Day

The tradition of roasting a suckling pig—a piglet fed exclusively on its mother’s milk—dates back thousands of years. While the specific origin of the modern observance is undocumented, the practice itself appears in the culinary history of Ancient Rome and China, where it was considered a delicacy reserved for the elite. In Rome, it was often the highlight of lavish banquets, symbolizing wealth and agricultural abundance. The dish became deeply embedded in Spanish culture, particularly in the region of Castile, where it is known as cochinillo asado.

The most famous historical association with this dish comes from Segovia, Spain. The Mesón de Cándido, a renowned restaurant established in the 18th century (and later popularized by Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises under the name Casa Botín), solidified the dish’s legendary status. Here, the tradition of carving the roasted pig using the edge of a ceramic plate—rather than a knife—was born. This dramatic gesture was designed to prove the extreme tenderness of the meat to guests, a custom that continues to influence how the dish is perceived and served globally today.

Why is National Roast Suckling Pig Day important?

This day highlights a cooking method that is often considered the pinnacle of pork preparation. Because the piglet has not yet been weaned or developed extensive muscle mass, the meat boasts a texture that is significantly more tender and gelatinous than that of an adult pig. The high collagen content keeps the meat moist during the roasting process, while the skin achieves a glass-like shattering crispness that is difficult to replicate with other cuts. Celebrating this day is an acknowledgment of the patience and skill required to execute this difficult roast perfectly.

Furthermore, the holiday serves as a precursor to the major winter festivities. Occurring just a week before Christmas, it encourages families and chefs to practice their centerpiece dishes or to indulge in a rich meal before the final holiday rush. It connects modern diners with a global heritage, as the dish is celebrated in diverse cultures ranging from the lechon of the Philippines and Puerto Rico to the banquet tables of Chinese weddings, proving that great food transcends borders.

• Celebrates a dish known for superior tenderness and flavor
• Connects diners to ancient culinary traditions from Rome and Spain
• Encourages the gathering of friends for a communal feast
• Highlights the skill involved in whole-animal roasting
• Serves as a festive warm-up for Christmas dinner

How to Observe National Roast Suckling Pig Day

For the ambitious home cook, the best way to observe this day is to roast a suckling pig at home. This can be done in a standard oven if the piglet is small enough, or outdoors using a “Caja China” (a roasting box) or a spit. The key is to keep the seasoning simple—often just salt, garlic, and herbs—to let the natural flavor shine, and to manage the heat carefully to ensure the skin blisters without burning. It is a long process that invites social interaction, making it perfect for a party.

If cooking a whole animal is too daunt, visiting a restaurant that specializes in the dish is a fantastic alternative. Spanish steakhouses, authentic Chinese BBQ restaurants, or Filipino dining spots are the most likely venues to serve it. Ordering cochinillo or lechon supports these traditional establishments. For a smaller nod to the holiday, one might prepare a pork roast with the skin left on, aiming to replicate the famous “crackling” that defines the full-sized version.

• Roast a whole piglet using a spit or roasting box
• Visit a Spanish restaurant to order authentic cochinillo asado
• Try Filipino lechon at a local eatery
• Host a dinner party focused on pork dishes
• Watch tutorials on how to carve meat with a plate

National Roast Suckling Pig Day Dates