From Taco Tuesday to Taco Friday: How Tacos Became a Global Celebration of Connection

It turns out that tacos are more than just food, they’re a feeling

While Americans proudly celebrate Taco Tuesday, more than 13% of the U.S. population making it a weekly tradition, across the Atlantic, Scandinavians have created their own taco ritual Taco Friday.

In both countries, tacos have become symbols of connection, comfort, and joy at the end of a busy week. Whether it’s the sunny warmth of a Tuesday night in California or the cozy candlelight of a Friday in Stockholm, tacos have gone global uniting people through shared bites and good vibes.

Taco Tuesday: America’s Weekly Celebration

In the United States, Taco Tuesday has grown from a local restaurant promotion into a nationwide tradition. More than 13% of Americans celebrate it regularly a stat that proves tacos have officially claimed their spot in the rhythm of American life.

It’s not just about the food (though no one’s complaining about crispy shells or handmade tortillas). Taco Tuesday is a moment of pause a reason to gather with friends, unwind, and celebrate the simple joy of a meal that everyone loves.

From fish tacos in San Diego to birria in Texas, Taco Tuesday has evolved into a symbol of cultural appreciation, creativity, and togetherness. It’s casual, inclusive, and delicious everything America loves in one tortilla.

FridayEveningDinnerAfterWorkWithFamilyAndFriendsBig

Taco Friday: Sweden’s Cozy Culinary Phenomenon

Meanwhile, in Sweden where winter nights can stretch long and dark — Taco Friday, or Fredagstaco, has become a national ritual of comfort. Born in the 1990s through clever marketing of taco kits and spice blends by companies like Santa Maria, Taco Friday quickly captured Sweden’s heart.

It tied perfectly into an existing cultural custom called Fredagsmys “Cozy Friday” where families stay in, relax, and enjoy comfort food while watching TV after a long week. Tacos fit that vibe perfectly: customizable, family-friendly, and easy to make.

Today, more Swedes eat tacos on Fridays than pizza and that’s saying something.

How Scandinavians Eat Their Tacos

Swedish and Norwegian tacos lean more Tex-Mex than traditional Mexican, but that’s part of their charm. A typical Taco Friday spread might include:

Seasoned ground beef with a store-bought spice mix
Crispy shells or soft flour tortillas
Toppings like corn, cucumber, pineapple, shredded cheese, lettuce, and salsa
Families build their own tacos, sit down together, and often continue the evening with popcorn, chips, or candy, a full night of comfort and connection.

It’s less about culinary authenticity and more about togetherness. In a region known for long winters, it’s a weekly reminder that warmth doesn’t just come from the weather — it comes from the table.

Tacos Without Borders

It’s incredible to think that the humble taco, born in Mexico centuries ago, has traveled across continents to become a global comfort food. From the Yucatán to Yuma, from Los Angeles to Luleå, tacos have adapted and evolved but their essence remains the same.

They bring people together. They spark joy. They remind us that food is a universal language of love and creativity.

So, whether it’s Taco Tuesday in the U.S. or Taco Friday in Sweden, one thing’s clear: the world can be united by tacos.

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From Sonora to the Sonoran Desert: How Arizona Became a Hub for Mexican Food

The rich Mexican influence in Arizona’s cuisine runs deep

Arizona isn’t just close to Mexico on the map it’s deeply connected through flavor, history, and tradition. The Grand Canyon State’s food scene pulses with Mexican influence, where Sonoran-style cuisine and generations of cross-border exchange have created a culinary identity all its own.

From sizzling carne asada to the iconic chimichanga, Arizona’s take on Mexican food is a story of shared heritage, innovation, and love for bold, smoky, unforgettable flavor.

A Border Without Boundaries

Arizona shares a long southern border with Mexico, and that proximity has shaped every part of its culinary landscape. The border isn’t a dividing line it’s a bridge of culture, ingredients, and family traditions that have flowed freely for generations.

You can taste it in every taco, salsa, and handmade tortilla: a fusion of Sonoran authenticity and Arizona creativity, where flavors cross freely and evolve naturally.

HomemadeSonoranHotDogsWithBaconMustardMayo

Sonoran Cuisine: The Heart of Arizona Flavor

At the core of Arizona’s Mexican food scene is Sonoran-style cuisine bold, rustic, and flame-kissed. This regional style celebrates simple ingredients elevated by time-honored techniques.

Carne Asada: Mesquite-grilled steak, marinated in citrus and spices, served with soft flour tortillas, a staple in both Sonora and southern Arizona.

Sonoran Hot Dog: A culinary legend born along the border a bacon-wrapped hot dog loaded with beans, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeño sauce, tucked into a soft bolillo roll.

Chimichanga: Arizona’s own contribution to the Mexican-American table – a deep-fried burrito that’s crispy, golden, and irresistible. Whether invented in Tucson or Phoenix, it’s a point of pride across the state.

These dishes have become part of Arizona’s identity, just as at home in Tucson’s family-owned taquerías as they are in high-end restaurants in Scottsdale and Phoenix.

A Culinary Legacy Born from Connection

The rich Mexican influence in Arizona’s cuisine runs deep. Generations of families have brought recipes, techniques, and traditions from Sonora and beyond, planting them firmly in Arizona’s soil.

Over time, this connection has given rise to a shared food culture one that respects its Mexican roots while celebrating local creativity. The results are dishes that feel both familiar and new.

TucsonArizonaUsaAtHistoricMissionSanXavierDelBac

From Street Eats to Fine Dining

You’ll find Mexican food everywhere in Arizona from roadside taco stands in Yuma to the vibrant restaurant rows of Tucson and Phoenix.

In Tucson, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, chefs celebrate Arizona’s agricultural and Indigenous roots while keeping tradition alive with handmade tortillas, roasted chilies, and slow-cooked meats.

In Phoenix, the scene thrives on fusion and innovation think modern tacos, smoky mezcal cocktails, and culinary nods to both Mexican and Southwestern ingredients.

And across small towns like Nogales and Mesa, family-owned taquerías still honor recipes passed down for generations.

Arizona’s food scene is both a tribute and a toast to the families, farmers, and chefs who’ve carried the spirit of Mexico north of the border.

Arizona’s Mexican food reminds us that the best meals don’t just fill us up they bring us together, across tables, borders, and generations.

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Día de los Muertos: A Celebration of Life, Love, and Flavor

A time to celebrate the connection that transcends life and death

Every fall, as the air cools and marigolds bloom in brilliant shades of orange and gold, families across Mexico and beyond come together to celebrate Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. Far from being somber, this multi-day tradition is a joyful celebration of life, a time to honor loved ones who have passed and to welcome their spirits back with love, laughter, and the comforting aroma of favorite foods.

The Meaning Behind the Celebration

Día de los Muertos is typically observed on November 1 and 2, aligning with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in the Catholic calendar. But depending on the region or family tradition, celebrations can stretch from October 31 through November 6, creating nearly a week of remembrance and joy.

The heart of the holiday is the belief that the spirits of the departed return to visit their families. It’s a time not just to mourn, but to celebrate the connection that transcends life and death.

Traditions That Bring the Spirits Home

Families prepare ofrendas altars adorned with photos, candles, papel picado (delicate paper banners), and marigolds, the flower believed to guide spirits back home. The altars are decorated with the departed’s favorite foods and drinks, from pan de muerto (sweet bread dusted with sugar) to tequila or coffee small offerings meant to nourish visiting souls.

Cemeteries become places of gathering rather than grief. Families visit graves, share meals, tell stories, play music, and decorate with candles and flowers. The night sky glows, and laughter mingles with the scent of tamales, mole, and roasted corn.

It’s a reminder that while life is fleeting, love endures forever and that those who came before us remain part of our daily story.

Pan de Muerto Día de los Muertos food

Food: The Heart of Connection

Like every great Mexican celebration, food is at the center of Día de los Muertos. Families cook the favorite dishes of their loved ones, filling homes with the warmth of tradition.

Tacos, tamales, and salsas take on special meaning, each bite a connection to memory, each recipe a thread in the tapestry of family history. It’s not unusual to see a plate of tacos or a glass of tequila on an altar, symbolizing hospitality and remembrance.

A Celebration of Life

At its core, Día de los Muertos is about gratitude. It reminds us to live fully, laugh often, and cherish the people who fill our days with meaning. It’s not about saying goodbye it’s about saying thank you for the love that continues long after the final sunset.

So, this year, as marigolds bloom and candles flicker, take a moment to remember those who’ve shaped your story. Cook their favorite meal, raise a glass, and celebrate the beauty of life one taco, one memory, and one heartbeat at a time.

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Smash Burger Tacos: The Ultimate Taco Tuesday Mash-Up

Smash Burger Tacos Recipe – Juicy Beef, Melted Cheese & Tangy Sauce for Taco Tuesday

If tacos and burgers had a love child, it would be the Smash Burger Taco juicy, crispy-edged beef, melty cheese, tangy sauce, and fresh toppings all tucked into a warm tortilla. This recipe takes the best of both worlds, the caramelized crust of a smash burger and the handheld happiness of a taco to create something that’s as easy as it is irresistible.

Why We Love Smash Burger Tacos

Smash Burger Tacos hit all the right notes:
The crispy sear on the beef gives you that craveable burger flavor.
The American cheese melts right into the meat, making it saucy and indulgent.
And the lettuce, red onion, and special sauce add a cool crunch and tang that balances everything out.
They’re fast to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to snag one off your griddle.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Tacos:

For the Smash Sauce:

Instructions

  1. Make the Smash Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and optional hot sauce or paprika. Chill until ready to serve. This sauce ties the burger and taco worlds together with creamy tang and just enough zip.
  2. Toast the Tortillas – Warm your tortillas on a dry skillet or griddle for 30 seconds per side, then keep them wrapped in a clean towel so they stay soft and pliable.
  3. Smash the Burgers – Divide the ground beef into 8 equal balls.
  4. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
  5. Place 2-3 beef balls on the surface and immediately smash each one flat with a metal spatula (you can use parchment paper to prevent sticking).
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Cook until crispy on the edges about 1½ minutes then flip.
  8. Lay American cheese on each patty to melt while the other side cooks for another minute.
  9. Assemble the Tacos – Place each cheesy burger patty directly on a warm tortilla.
    Top with shredded lettuce, thin red onion slices, and a drizzle of Smash Sauce.
    Fold slightly or serve open-faced, taco style.

Spice it up: Add jalapeños or swap the sauce for a spicy chipotle mayo.

Smash Burger Tacos perfectly for Taco Tuesday perfection. This recipe is guaranteed to smash it.

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Modern Mexican Magic in Redlands: Don Orange Brings Flavor, Style, and Premium Tequila to the Table

Don Orange in Redlands Serves Modern Mexican Magic, Herradura Tequila & Handcrafted Tacos

In the heart of historic downtown Redlands, Don Orange shines as a vibrant celebration of modern Mexican dining. With its bold design, scratch-made menu, and creative cocktail program, this restaurant has become a go-to destination for locals looking for fresh, flavorful dishes served with flair.

Walking through its double entrances whether through the brick-lined front door on East State Street or the color-splashed Orange Alley strung with bright umbrellas you immediately feel the energy. Don Orange captures that sweet spot between elevated and approachable: it’s lively enough for a Friday night out, but warm and welcoming for a relaxed Taco Tuesday gathering.

A Scratch Kitchen Rooted in Creativity

Don Orange isn’t just about tacos (though theirs are definitely worth the trip). The restaurant is built around the philosophy of a scratch kitchen, meaning almost everything , from sauces to salsas to marinades, is made in-house.

Guests rave about the Cheesy Birria Tacos, served with rich consommé for dipping, and the Barbacoa Short Ribs that fall apart with a fork. Other standouts include Lobster Enchiladas, Orange-Glazed Salmon topped with chipotle pineapple salsa, and Chimichurri Chicken bursting with flavor.

Even brunch gets the Don Orange treatment, with favorites like Birria Chilaquiles and Huevos Rancheros paired with mimosas or spicy micheladas. It’s a place where every plate feels crafted with intention – colorful, comforting, and full of fresh flavor.

Don Orange Redlands

Tequila, Cocktails & the Herradura Connection

The bar program at Don Orange deserves its own spotlight. With an impressive selection of premium tequilas, including Herradura – one of Mexico’s most celebrated tequila brands, the restaurant delivers elevated cocktails that honor tradition while embracing creativity.

Their Don’s OG Margarita balances perfectly between tangy and smooth, while specialty cocktails feature house infusions, smoky mezcal notes, and fresh citrus. Whether you’re sipping a classic margarita or exploring a tequila flight, they make every drink feel like a celebration.

A Dining Experience with Soul

Part of Don Orange’s charm lies in its setting. The space combines industrial-cool design with warm Mexican textures: rustic brick walls, wood floors, hanging lights, and music that moves from upbeat afternoon tunes to a lively evening vibe.

Locals love it for date nights, girls’ nights, and Taco Tuesdays that stretch into late-night laughs. The restaurant often features live music, adding even more rhythm to its already magnetic personality.

In a region brimming with great dining, Don Orange stands out for how it connects authenticity and innovation. It brings the craftsmanship of Mexico’s culinary heritage into a modern California setting no gimmicks, just heart, heat, and hospitality.

For Redlands, it’s a sign of how local dining continues to evolve creative, community-driven, and full of flavor. For taco lovers, it’s simply another reason to celebrate Taco Tuesday the right way: good food, good drinks, and good people.

Visit Don Orange
Address: 14 E State Street, Redlands, CA 92373
Website: donorange.com
Instagram: @donorangetacos    

View Taco Tuesday Page

See more Taco Tuesdays in Redlands

Copycat Chipotle Chicken

Your favorite burrito chain’s chicken, made easy in your own kitchen

Make smoky, juicy Chipotle-style chicken at home, there’s a reason Chipotle’s chicken has a cult following it’s smoky, savory, and just the right amount of spicy. But you don’t have to stand in line to get your fix. With a handful of spices and a simple roasting method, you can bring those same bold flavors right into your own kitchen. Whether you’re building tacos for Tuesday night, meal-prepping bowls for the week, or rolling up burritos for the whole family, this copycat chicken recipe delivers big-time flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Instructions

TacoTuesday.com Tips
Extra char: Broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end for a smoky, fire-grilled vibe.
Build a bowl: Pair with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and roasted corn.
Taco magic: Stuff into warm tortillas with avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Find More Taco Recipes Here

TacoTuesday.com Celebrates RecordTraffic and Welcomes El Jimador as the Official Tequila of Taco Tuesday

TacoTuesday.com, America’s go-to destination for all things tacos, is celebrating a sizzling milestone: the website is attracting 100,000 taco lovers in search of Taco Tuesdays, solidifying its spot as the #1 online hub for taco enthusiasts nationwide.  

As taco fans flock to the site to find restaurants, recipes, and weekly taco inspiration, TacoTuesday.com is raising the bar, literally, by welcoming El Jimador as the Official Tequila of Taco Tuesday. This new partnership pairs the nation’s favorite weekly food tradition with one of the world’s most beloved tequilas, creating the ultimate midweek celebration.  

“Taco Tuesday creates a fun escape in the middle of the week. It reminds us to slow down, share a meal, and celebrate life. Our goal with TacoTuesday.com is to make it easy for everyone to break up the week with something fun, connect and eat tacos. Now, with El Jimador as our official tequila, the celebration is even better,” said Pamela Waitt, founder of TacoTuesday.com.  

With over 4.5 billion tacos eaten annually in the U.S., TacoTuesday.com continues to connect foodies with: 

Taco lovers can explore new recipes, restaurant spotlights, and cocktail pairings at  www.TacoTuesday.com and join the celebration every Tuesday on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. 

About TacoTuesday.com 
At TacoTuesday.com, we’re on a mission to bring people together one taco at a time. We’re not just a website—we’re a taco-loving, margarita-sipping, celebration-spreading movement. Whether it’s Tuesday or any other day you’re feeling it, we make it easy to Find Tacos, Eat Tacos and Be Happy.

About El Jimador 
El Jimador is an authentic, award-winning tequila crafted in the heart of Mexico. Known for its smooth flavor and dedication to quality, El Jimador is the perfect partner for any Taco Tuesday celebration.

America’s Top 20 Taco Tuesday Loving States in 2025 Announced

A Flavor-Packed Look at Where the Taco Tuesday Tradition Thrives Most

Every Tuesday, across kitchens and cantinas, in bustling cities and cozy small towns, one thing brings people together: tacos. And thanks to search data straight from Google Trends, we now know exactly which U.S. states are feeling the Taco Tuesday fever in 2025.

This year’s data reveals some spicy surprises, with rising regions climbing the ranks and a few longtime taco titans holding strong. Whether you’re a tortilla traditionalist or a salsa-sampling adventurer, this list shows just how much America adores its weekly taco ritual.

🏆 The 2025 Top 20 Taco Tuesday–Loving States

Based on Search Trends data measuring search interest in “Taco Tuesday,” these are the top 20 states celebrating the tradition in full force:

Rank  State
1     California
2     Texas
3     Nevada
4     Illinois
5     Colorado
6     Arizona
7     Florida
8     Georgia
9     Kansas
10    Ohio
11    Hawaii
12    New Mexico
13    Minnesota
14    Nebraska
15    Idaho
16    South Carolina
17    New York
18    Utah
19    Tennessee
20    Washington

What Changed Since 2024?
Last year’s rankings featured longtime taco hubs like Missouri, Louisiana, and North Carolina. In 2025, however, we’re seeing a surge of interest from unexpected places:

Illinois made a massive leap to claim the #4 spot.
Georgia, Minnesota, and New York entered the top 20 for the first time.
Nebraska slipped a few spots but held strong in the top 15.
Colorado climbed from #10 to #5, showing growing taco pride in the Rockies.

These shifts tell a flavorful story of how Taco Tuesday has expanded beyond its Southwestern roots and into the hearts (and search bars) of taco lovers nationwide.

Why the Surge?
Several factors are fueling this Taco Tuesday takeover:

  1. Cultural Fusion & Flavor Innovation
    From birria tacos in Brooklyn to Korean BBQ tacos in Chicago, the creativity in today’s taco scene knows no bounds. States climbing the list often reflect dynamic food cultures and thriving culinary experimentation.
  2. Social Media Buzz
    Platforms like TikTok and Instagram continue to amplify Taco Tuesday love through foodie influencers, taco challenges, and recipe reels—especially in states like Georgia and Minnesota where local scenes are popping.
  3. Restaurant & Bar Promotions
    Cities across Illinois, Florida, and New York are doubling down on Tuesday-night deals, taco flights, and margarita pairings, fueling weekly anticipation and higher search traffic.

Taco Tuesday: More Than a Meal
It’s not just a trend—it’s a tradition. Taco Tuesday continues to unite communities around a shared celebration of flavor, creativity, and joy. Whether it’s crispy beef tacos in Nebraska or spicy shrimp tacos in SoCal, this simple tradition has become a culinary ritual coast to coast.

Tag us on Instagram and TikTok using #TacoTuesday and #TacoTuesdayStates to show us how you celebrate every week.

📈 Want More Taco Trends?
Sign up for the TacoTuesday.com newsletter and get insider taco trends, recipes, restaurant features, and more delivered every Tuesday.

TacoTuesday.com Leads National Taco Day Celebrations on Tuesday, October 1

Millions of taco lovers will turn to TacoTuesday.com to celebrate National Taco Day on Taco Tuesday, October 1st. This year marks the inaugural National Taco Day celebration falling on the first Tuesday of October – a new tradition that will highlight Taco Tuesday during this national holiday for years to come.

TacoTuesday.com’s popularity has skyrocketed in the past year, proving that tacos have the unique ability to bring people together and bring joy to their lives on an otherwise mediocre day of the week.

“Millions of people celebrate Taco Tuesday across the country, in restaurants and at home, so it only makes sense to have National Taco Day fall on our favorite day of the week,” explains Pamela Waitt, Founder of TacoTuesday.com. “Having National Taco Day moved to the first Tuesday of October reinforces our mission to unite taco lovers everywhere!”

TacoTuesday.com reveals the significant impact that Taco Tuesday has on the restaurant industry, which relies on the day as a beloved tradition across the nation with the power to increase business significantly. Beyond being a catchy phrase, “Taco Tuesday” has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, as can be seen by the following statistics:

—Taco Tuesday increases restaurant revenue by an average of 22% – 36%, which helps to keep the local economy and payroll thriving

—The earliest documented advertisement for a Taco Tuesday special was in the classified section of the October 16, 1933 edition of the El Paso Herald-Post, decades before a trademark was filed [Source: Gustavo Arellano, Thrillist]

—58% of Americans are aware of Taco Tuesday, 42% have celebrated it, and 13% of Americans celebrate it every week, which equates well over 30 million people who enjoy Taco Tuesday weekly

—There are nearly 100,000 restaurants in the United States that celebrate Taco Tuesday

TacoTuesday.com represents a world of food, celebration, happiness, and fun. The website is fueled by the belief that restaurants bring joy and celebrate everything good for the soul – and that every Tuesday is an opportunity to eat better, be better and live better. TacoTuesday.com is a community website that unites the country through their love of Tacos – on Tuesday, and beyond.

TacoTuesday.com will always be free and accessible to restaurants and community members.