National Animal Crackers Day (April 18), Everything You Need to Know About

Discover the history, timeline, fun facts, and activities to celebrate National Animal Crackers Day. Learn about the origin of animal crackers, their iconic design, and why people love and celebrate this delicious snack food.

National Animal Crackers Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated in the United States on April 18th each year. It is a day to recognize and enjoy animal crackers, a popular snack that has been a favorite of children and adults alike for over a century. Animal crackers are small, animal-shaped cookies that are typically made with flour, sugar, and other ingredients. They are often sold in small boxes that feature circus-themed designs and are a staple in many households. On National Animal Crackers Day, people often enjoy animal crackers as a snack or use them in recipes for desserts and other treats.

History of National Animal Crackers Day

The history of National Animal Crackers Day is not entirely clear, as it is an unofficial holiday that has been celebrated for many years. However, it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century when animal crackers became a popular snack among children. Animal crackers were first introduced in the late 1800s by the National Biscuit Company (now known as Nabisco) and quickly became a beloved snack food.

Over time, animal crackers became a staple in American households and were often used as a treat for children. In the early 1900s, animal crackers were even sold in circus-themed boxes that featured pictures of wild animals and performers, which added to their popularity.

National Animal Crackers Day was likely created by animal cracker enthusiasts who wanted to celebrate this beloved snack. The exact origin of the holiday is unknown, but it has been celebrated for many years and is often recognized by foodies, snack enthusiasts, and animal lovers alike. Today, National Animal Crackers Day continues to be a fun and lighthearted holiday that celebrates this classic snack food.

Animal Crackers Timeline

Here is a brief timeline of the history of animal crackers:

• 1871: The National Biscuit Company (later known as Nabisco) introduces the first animal-shaped cookies, called “barnum’s animals.” They were sold in small boxes with a string attached, so they could be carried easily.
• Late 1800s to early 1900s: Animal crackers become a popular snack for children, and are often used as a treat for good behavior.
• 1902: The animal cracker box is redesigned to look like a circus wagon, with pictures of wild animals and performers on the sides. This design becomes an iconic symbol of animal crackers.
• 1903: The animal cracker box is updated again to include a string handle, which makes it even more convenient for kids to carry around.
• 1928: The first animal cracker parade is held in New York City, featuring giant inflatable animal crackers.
• 1963: Nabisco introduces a new variety of animal crackers called “circus train,” which includes animal-shaped cookies and a train car-shaped box.
• 1995: Nabisco introduces a low-fat version of animal crackers, which becomes popular with health-conscious consumers.
• 2018: Nabisco announces that it will be redesigning the animal cracker box to remove the circus theme and instead feature the animals in their natural habitats. This decision was made in response to concerns about the use of animals in circuses.

Throughout their history, animal crackers have remained a beloved snack food for people of all ages. They continue to be sold in their iconic circus-themed boxes, and are a staple in many households.

National Animal Crackers Day Activities

Here are some fun activities you can do to celebrate National Animal Crackers Day:

1. Have an animal cracker taste test: Buy several different brands of animal crackers or try different flavors, and have a taste test to see which ones are your favorite.
2. Make animal cracker desserts: Use animal crackers to make creative desserts such as animal cracker cheesecake, animal cracker s’mores, or animal cracker trifle.
3. Host an animal cracker tea party: Invite friends over for a tea party where animal crackers are the main attraction. Serve tea and snacks on fancy plates and napkins to make it a special occasion.
4. Create animal cracker art: Use animal crackers to make fun and creative artwork. You could create an animal cracker mosaic or paint animal crackers and use them to make a collage.
5. Play animal cracker games: Set up an animal cracker themed game night with games such as animal cracker memory, animal cracker bingo, or animal cracker scavenger hunt.
6. Make animal cracker crafts: Use animal crackers to make fun crafts such as animal cracker necklaces, animal cracker ornaments, or animal cracker mobiles.
7. Donate animal crackers to a local animal shelter: Show your love for animals by donating boxes of animal crackers to a local animal shelter or rescue organization.

These are just a few ideas to celebrate National Animal Crackers Day. No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to enjoy some delicious animal crackers and have fun!

Intersting Fun Facts About Animal Crackers

Here are some fun facts about animal crackers that you might find interesting:

1. Animal crackers have been around for over 100 years, and were first introduced in the late 1800s by the National Biscuit Company (now Nabisco).
2. The original animal crackers were called “Barnum’s Animals,” and were named after the famous circus showman P.T. Barnum.
3. The classic circus wagon box design was introduced in 1902, and became an iconic symbol of animal crackers.
4. Animal crackers are not just for snacking – they have been used in recipes for desserts, such as animal cracker crusts for cheesecakes and pies.
5. In the 1930s, a zoo in Illinois fed its animals animal crackers as a treat. The practice caught on, and today many zoos and animal sanctuaries still give animal crackers to their animals.
6. The animal crackers in the box are usually made in the same molds as the original ones, which are still in use today.
7. In 2018, Nabisco redesigned the animal cracker box to feature the animals in their natural habitats, rather than in a circus setting.
8. Animal crackers have appeared in movies such as “Babe: Pig in the City” and “The Lion King.”
9. In 2017, a court ruling allowed the copyright of the “Happy Birthday” song to expire, meaning that the song can now be used without paying royalties. This was celebrated by some with the phrase “Free at last, animal crackers!”
10. National Animal Crackers Day is celebrated on April 18th each year, and is a day to enjoy this classic snack food.

Why We Love and Celebrate National Animal Crackers Day Activities

National Animal Crackers Day is a fun and light-hearted holiday that celebrates a beloved snack food that has been enjoyed by generations. There are many reasons why people love animal crackers and why they enjoy celebrating this day.

Firstly, animal crackers are a delicious and nostalgic snack that many people grew up eating. They are a simple and easy snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day. The classic circus wagon box design and animal shapes add to the fun and whimsical nature of the snack, making it appealing to both children and adults.

Secondly, National Animal Crackers Day provides an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate a common interest. Whether it is through taste tests, creative art projects, or animal cracker-themed games and activities, this day allows people to connect and have fun in a lighthearted way.

Lastly, National Animal Crackers Day celebrates the history and tradition of animal crackers, which have been enjoyed for over a century. The snack has evolved over time, but the classic shapes and designs have remained the same, providing a sense of nostalgia and comfort for many people.

Overall, National Animal Crackers Day is a fun and enjoyable holiday that allows people to celebrate a beloved snack food and come together to have fun and create memories.