National Pig Day

Celebrated every year on March 1, National Pig Day is a fantastic opportunity to recognize the impact pigs have had on American culture. Pigs show up everywhere—from art and costumes to movies and books, not to mention the dinner table. These animals have been a fixture on farms and in zoos across the country for many years, and some have even moved into our homes as cherished pets. It makes perfect sense to dedicate a day to celebrating this universally recognized and beloved animal, while also learning about their role in our culture and history.

History of National Pig Day

Fossil records tell us that pigs have been roaming the planet for about 40 million years. Experts believe they were first domesticated around 9,000 years ago in what is now China and parts of western Asia. About 3,500 years ago, the Romans took up pig breeding. While some regions in Asia and the Middle East banned pork consumption, Europeans continued to develop specific breeds right up to the 1500s. During this period, domesticated pigs first arrived in North America. Christopher Columbus is said to have brought eight pigs with him to Cuba in 1493, following his first trip to the “New World.” Hernando de Soto, Columbus’ successor in exploring the Americas, introduced 13 pigs to the area now known as Tampa Bay, Florida, making them the first domesticated pigs in what would become the United States.

National Pig Day was initiated in 1972 by two sisters, Ellen Stanley and Mary Lynne Rave, who felt it necessary “to accord to the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place as one of man’s most intellectual and domesticated animals.” The inaugural celebration that year aimed to honor pigs rather than serving them as a meal. Since then, cities across the nation have held entertaining events such as “snort off” contests, pig parades, and pig-themed arts and crafts activities. Like dogs and cats, potbellied pigs make great pets, with over 1 million residing in the US and Canada today. However, the most common interaction people have with pigs is at the dinner table. Pork is the world’s favorite meat, with more than 80 million tons produced annually, accounting for 40% of all meat consumption. It would be remiss not to appreciate pork in all its forms as we celebrate National Pig Day.

National Pig Day Timeline

• 200 BC: Pigs become part of the Chinese Zodiac, used as a life predictor in a 12-year cycle, with the pig representing one year.
• 1539: Pigs arrive in North America when Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto, known as the “father of the American pork industry,” brings 15 pigs to Tampa Bay, Florida.
• 1935: Porky Pig makes his debut on the big screen, becoming the longest-standing character in Looney Tunes history.
• 2014: Ernestine, the oldest recorded pig, lives to a grand age of 22 years and 359 days, passing away in Alberta, Canada.
• 2021: Baby Jane sets a new Guinness World Record at 23 years old as the oldest pig in captivity.

Interesting Pig Facts

• The Biggest: The heaviest pig on record is Big Bill, a Poland China hog weighing 2,552 lbs, owned by Elias Buford Butler from Tennessee in 1933.
• Smallest Breed: The Kunekune is the smallest domesticated pig breed, known not for its size but for its friendly demeanor and ease of management.
• Squeals: A pig’s squeal can hit 115 decibels, louder than a supersonic jet!
• Taste Buds: Pigs have a remarkable 15,000 taste buds compared to humans’ 9,000.
• Fast Runners: Pigs can dash at speeds up to 11 miles per hour.
• Thirsty Creatures: They can drink up to 14 gallons of water daily.
• Communication: Pigs have 20 distinct vocalizations to communicate with one another.

Why We Love National Pig Day

• Smart Animals: Ranking just behind chimpanzees, dolphins, and elephants, pigs are incredibly intelligent. They learn to perform tasks, recognize symbols, and understand mirrors as reflections.
• Optimists at Heart: Their curious and exploratory nature makes pigs natural optimists, always eager to learn and engage socially.
• Bacon: A universal favorite, bacon remains one of the oldest and most enjoyed meats worldwide.

National Pig Day Dates

• 2025: March 1, Saturday
• 2026: March 1, Sunday
• 2027: March 1, Monday
• 2028: March 1, Wednesday
• 2029: March 1, Thursday

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