On July 7th, the world celebrates World Chocolate Day, on September 13th it is said to be International Chocolate Day, and on October 1st we commemorate World Cocoa Day… but what is the purpose of all these chocolate-related observances? Who or what determines these dates? Do we really celebrate all of them or just pick and choose based on personal preference? Let’s delve into the world of chocolate and its many “special days.”
First of all, let’s clarify the difference between World Chocolate Day and International Chocolate Day. World Chocolate Day has been observed on July 7th since 2009, as a way to celebrate the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550. It is recognized by the International Confectionery Association and is mainly celebrated in the United States and Europe. On the other hand, International Chocolate Day, also known as Chocolate Day, has been celebrated on September 13th since 1995 and is observed in various countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, India, and Australia. This day is meant to honor the creation of chocolate and its cultural significance.
Now, let’s talk about World Cocoa Day. This day was established by the International Cocoa Organization in 2009 to promote the global cocoa industry and raise awareness about the challenges faced by cocoa farmers. The date of October 1st was chosen because it marks the start of the cocoa harvest in many countries. This day is not specifically about chocolate, but rather about the raw ingredient that makes it possible.
So, what is the purpose of all these chocolate-related days? Some may argue that they are just an excuse to indulge in our favorite sweet treat, but these observances actually serve a greater purpose. They bring attention to the history, cultural significance, and production of chocolate and cocoa, and also highlight the issues faced by the industry. These days also provide an opportunity for chocolate companies to showcase their products and promote their brands.
But who decides these dates? As mentioned before, World Chocolate Day is recognized by the International Confectionery Association, while International Chocolate Day is observed in various countries. As for World Cocoa Day, it was established by the International Cocoa Organization. However, anyone can declare a “chocolate day” and there are many unofficial observances throughout the year, such as National Chocolate Day in the United States on October 28th.
Now, the big question is, do we really celebrate all of these chocolate-related days? The answer is, it depends. Some people may choose to celebrate all of them, while others may only celebrate the ones that hold personal significance to them. Some may even celebrate every day as a “chocolate day” and indulge in their favorite treat without needing a special occasion. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how they want to celebrate these days.
In conclusion, the purpose of World Chocolate Day, International Chocolate Day, and World Cocoa Day is to celebrate, promote, and raise awareness about the history, cultural significance, and production of chocolate and cocoa. These days also serve as an opportunity for chocolate companies to showcase their products and for individuals to indulge in their favorite sweet treat. Whether we choose to celebrate all of these days or just a few, one thing is for sure, chocolate is worth celebrating every day. So, let’s raise a chocolate bar and cheers to the many “chocolate days” around the world!
