BACON THROUGH THE AGES
A Sizzling Journey from 4900 B.C. to December 30th
Why December 30th?
In 1997, two college friends—Danya "D" Goodman and Meff Leonard (aka "Meff Human Cannonball")—created something special. They didn't want just another holiday. They wanted a secular break from the winter holiday chaos.
Positioned perfectly between Christmas and New Year's, December 30th became a moment of intentional relief. A day to celebrate something simple, delicious, and universally loved: bacon.
🎬 Fun Fact: The original tradition included watching Kevin Bacon movies while eating bacon. Yes, really.
7,000 Years of Bacon: The Deep History
Ancient China
The earliest known salt-cured pork preservation. Pigs were domesticated and their bellies were preserved using salt—a revolutionary food technology.
The Dunmow Flitch (England)
A church offered a side of bacon to any married man who could swear he hadn't quarreled with his wife for a year and a day. This is where "bring home the bacon" originated.
Linguistic Standardization
The word "bacon" was officially standardized to mean salted and smoked pork belly—essential for industrial food production and trade.
Hernando de Soto's Legacy
De Soto brought 13 pigs to Tampa Bay. They multiplied to over 700 in just a few years, earning him the title "Father of the American Pork Industry."
WWII Bacon Grease Collection
Americans donated bacon grease to the war effort. It was rendered into glycerin for bombs and gunpowder. Bacon literally helped win the war.
Moon Landing
Bacon was included in the first meal consumed on the moon. It's literally out of this world.
The Modern Bacon Renaissance
Today, bacon isn't just food—it's a lifestyle. Americans consume approximately 18 pounds of bacon per year.
The Bacon Aesthetic
Bacon-scented colognes, candles, and lip balms. Bacon has become an identity marker.
Bacon Dating
Oscar Mayer created "Sizzl"—a dating app for bacon enthusiasts to find each other.
The Church of Bacon
The "United Church of Bacon" exists in Las Vegas. Bacon has become spiritual.
🎬 Bacon in Film & Entertainment
The Kevin Bacon Connection
The original Bacon Day tradition (1997) cleverly celebrates with Kevin Bacon movie marathons. It's the ultimate pun: celebrating "Bacon Day" by watching films featuring an actor literally named "Bacon." This wordplay has become iconic in pop culture, referenced in everything from Guardians of the Galaxy to Avengers: Infinity War.
Breakfast Culture in TV
Parks and Recreation made breakfast—especially bacon—a cultural icon. Ron Swanson's famous quote, "Sadness is cured by breakfast food," became a rallying cry for bacon lovers everywhere. The show's obsession with breakfast culture helped elevate bacon from mere ingredient to lifestyle statement.
Internet & Meme Culture
The 2010s saw "Bacon Mania" explode across the internet. Novelty bacon items, bacon-wrapped everything, and bacon-flavored products became viral sensations. From bacon donuts to bacon chocolate, the internet transformed bacon into a meme food that represented indulgence, humor, and culinary rebellion.
Supernatural & Pop Culture
Bacon has become shorthand for comfort, indulgence, and "the good life" in modern entertainment. From Supernatural to countless food shows, bacon represents authenticity and pleasure. It's the food that transcends class, culture, and dietary preferences—universally beloved.
Why We Celebrate Bacon Day
- 🥓 Community: Bringing people together who share a passion
- 🥓 Tradition: Honoring 7,000 years of culinary history
- 🥓 Rebellion: Creating a secular, joyful break from holiday fatigue
- 🥓 Indulgence: Celebrating the simple pleasure of something delicious
- 🥓 Fun: Embracing humor, quirk, and shared cultural identity
🏆 The Burns Family Bacon Day Tradition
For the past 6-7 years, Carrie and Steven Burns have hosted an annual Bacon Day celebration in their downtown home, transforming a simple holiday into a beloved community tradition. What started as a fun idea has blossomed into a cherished gathering that brings together friends, family, and bacon enthusiasts from all walks of life.
🍽️ The Competition
Guests bring their most creative bacon dishes—or bacon-inspired cocktails—to compete for glory. Each entry represents passion, creativity, and a deep love for bacon in all its forms.
🏅 The Prize
Winners are awarded custom trophies and gain the envy of all who tried to reach the stars. It's not just about winning—it's about the honor, the bragging rights, and the legacy of being crowned the ultimate bacon champion.
This celebration embodies the true spirit of Bacon Day: community, creativity, and the joy of bringing people together around something we all love. The Burns family has created more than just an event—they've built a tradition that will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
🎉 Join Us for BaconDay 2025
📅 Date & Time
December 30, 2025 • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
📍 Location
The 3I/ATLAS Headquarters
Whether you're a longtime bacon enthusiast or discovering Bacon Day for the first time, December 30th is your day to celebrate. Come experience the culmination of 7,000 years of bacon history!