If you’re wondering what national day is may 13, you’re probably expecting one specific answer. The reality is a bit more crowded. Most people reach for their forks because it’s National Apple Pie Day, a celebration of what many consider to be the quintessential American dessert. But honestly? It’s also National Fruit Cocktail Day, and for those who prefer something with a bit more "snap," it's National Crouton Day too.
It's a weirdly specific day for the culinary world.
The Heavy Hitter: National Apple Pie Day
Let's be real. Nobody is getting hyped for a canned fruit medley when there’s a warm apple pie on the counter. National Apple Pie Day dominates the conversation every May 13. While we often say things are "as American as apple pie," the dish actually has deep roots in England and the Netherlands. The first recorded recipe for apple pie was written in England in 1381, and it didn't even include sugar—it relied on figs, raisins, and pears to sweeten the pot.
By the time the May 13th celebration rolls around each year, we aren't just eating dessert. We're participating in a cultural ritual that has survived centuries.
Why May 13? There isn't a massive historical decree signed by a president for this specific date, unlike some more formal holidays. Instead, these days often emerge from industry groups or social media trends that eventually "stick" in the public consciousness. In the United States, apple pie became a symbol of national pride during the 20th century, particularly during World War II when soldiers would tell journalists they were fighting for "mom and apple pie."
The Forgotten Contenders
Don't ignore the crouton. It sounds silly, but National Crouton Day also falls on May 13. Most people think of croutons as those rock-hard cubes that hurt the roof of your mouth in a cheap Caesar salad. However, high-end chefs treat the crouton as a serious vessel for flavor. If you've ever had a sourdough crouton fried in duck fat, you know it's not just a garnish. It's a fundamental texture component.
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Then there's National Fruit Cocktail Day. This one feels a bit like a relic of the 1950s. You know the kind—pears, peaches, and those unnaturally red maraschino cherries swimming in heavy syrup. While it might not have the "cool factor" of a homemade pie, it’s a nostalgic staple for millions of people who grew up with it in their school lunches or at grandma's house.
Historical Events That Define May 13
If you aren't here for the food, May 13 holds some heavy historical weight.
- The Arrival at Jamestown (1607): On this day, Captain Christopher Newport and his crew chose a site for the first permanent English settlement in America. They called it Jamestown. It changed the trajectory of the continent forever.
- The Apparition of Fátima (1917): In Portugal, three shepherd children claimed to see a vision of the Virgin Mary. This event transformed Fátima into one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Catholic world. Every May 13, thousands of people gather there to commemorate the event.
- Stevie Wonder’s Birthday (1950): Stevland Hardaway Morris was born on this day in Saginaw, Michigan. The man basically redefined soul, R&B, and pop music.
What Most People Get Wrong About National Days
Social media has turned "National Days" into a bit of a Wild West. You'll see people claiming May 13 is ten different things. Sometimes they're right; sometimes they're just looking for engagement. The "official" status of these days is often murky.
True "National Days" are technically established by an act of Congress. Most of what we celebrate today—including National Apple Pie Day—is actually a "National Observance" or a "National Awareness Day" started by a private individual or a company. For example, National Crouton Day was actually started by Rothbury Farms, a commercial bread company, back in 2015.
Does that make it less "real"? Not necessarily. If enough people buy apples and bake pies on May 13, the holiday exists through sheer collective will.
The Science of the Perfect May 13 Apple Pie
If you’re going to celebrate, don't buy a frozen pie. That’s a rookie move.
The secret to a pie that actually honors the day lies in the pH balance and the variety of apples used. You want a mix. If you only use Granny Smith, the pie is too tart and holds too much water. If you only use Red Delicious (please, never use Red Delicious for baking), the whole thing turns into mush.
A 50/50 split between Granny Smith and a firmer, sweeter apple like a Honeycrisp or a Braeburn is the gold standard. The Granny Smith provides the structure and the "zing," while the Honeycrisp brings the sugar and the floral notes.
Also, vodka.
Wait, what?
Serious Eats and food scientists like J. Kenji López-Alt have long advocated for using a bit of vodka in the crust. Alcohol doesn't promote gluten development the way water does. This means you can add enough liquid to make the dough easy to work with without ending up with a tough, leathery crust. It evaporates in the oven, leaving behind nothing but flaky layers.
Is May 13 a "Lucky" or "Unlucky" Day?
Depending on who you ask, May 13 carries different vibes. In 1981, it was the day of the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II. That’s a dark mark on the calendar. But for many, especially those who follow the Fátima traditions, it’s a day of intense spiritual hope.
In the world of sports, May 13, 1958, was the day Stan Musial got his 3,000th hit. It was a massive milestone in baseball history.
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So, it's a mixed bag. It’s a day of beginnings (Jamestown), endings (near-tragedies), and a whole lot of sugar.
How to Actually Participate
If you want to do more than just post a hashtag, here is how you handle May 13 like a pro.
- Audit your pantry: If you’re leaning into the fruit cocktail side of things, look for "no sugar added" versions or, better yet, make a fresh one with mint and lime juice.
- Support local bakeries: National Apple Pie Day is a huge revenue driver for small, independent bakeries. Skip the grocery store aisle and find a local spot that uses real butter.
- Learn the history: Spend ten minutes reading about the Jamestown settlement or the Fátima apparitions. The food is great, but the history is what gives the date its staying power.
Actionable Takeaways for May 13
- Bake with a Blend: Use at least two types of apples for your pie to balance texture and acidity.
- Check the Calendar: Remember that while May 13 is for apple pie, "Pi Day" is March 14. Don't be that person who gets them confused.
- The Crust Secret: If your pie crust is always tough, replace two tablespoons of your cold water with chilled 80-proof vodka.
- Look Beyond the Plate: Use the day to explore the music of Stevie Wonder or the history of early American colonization to get a full picture of why this date matters.
There isn't one single answer to what national day is may 13, but whether you're eating a crouton, a slice of pie, or a bowl of fruit, the day is ultimately about tradition. It’s a small slice of time where we collectively agree to focus on something specific, even if it's just a dessert.