Bourdain Day is a day of remembrance and celebration of the life and legacy of Anthony Bourdain, a beloved chef, author, and television personality who passed away on June 8, 2018.
Bourdain was known for his adventurous spirit, culinary expertise, and insightful commentary on culture and society, which he shared with his fans through his books and TV shows like “No Reservations” and “Parts Unknown.”
Bourdain Day is observed annually on June 25th, which was Bourdain’s birthday. Fans of Bourdain around the world celebrate his life and work by sharing their favorite quotes, recipes, and memories of the chef on social media, hosting viewing parties of his TV shows, and by visiting some of the restaurants and places he featured in his programs. The day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention, as Bourdain’s death was a result of suicide.
Bourdain Day Timeline
Bourdain Day Timeline:
- June 25, 2019: The first Bourdain Day is celebrated on what would have been Anthony Bourdain’s 63rd birthday. Fans around the world take to social media to share their favorite quotes, photos, and memories of Bourdain, and to honor his legacy.
- June 25, 2020: The second Bourdain Day is observed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, with many fans celebrating from home. Chefs and other culinary figures share their tributes to Bourdain on social media, highlighting his impact on the food industry.
- June 25, 2021: The third Bourdain Day is marked by the release of the documentary “Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain,” which explores the chef’s life, career, and untimely death. The film is directed by Morgan Neville and features interviews with Bourdain’s family, friends, and colleagues.
- June 25, 2022: The fourth Bourdain Day is expected to be celebrated around the world, with fans continuing to pay tribute to Bourdain’s life and work. The day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, issues that Bourdain’s death has brought to the forefront of public consciousness.
How to Observe Bourdain Day
Bourdain Day is an opportunity for fans of Anthony Bourdain to celebrate his life, work, and legacy. Here are some ways to observe Bourdain Day:
- Watch an episode of one of Bourdain’s TV shows, such as “No Reservations” or “Parts Unknown,” and share your favorite moment on social media.
- Cook one of Bourdain’s recipes or visit a restaurant that he featured on his shows.
- Share your favorite Bourdain quote or passage from one of his books on social media using the hashtag #BourdainDay.
- Make a donation to a mental health or suicide prevention organization in Bourdain’s memory.
- Host a viewing party with friends or family, and watch your favorite Bourdain episodes while enjoying some of his favorite foods and drinks.
- Visit one of the many memorials and tributes to Bourdain that have been created around the world, such as the Bourdain Food Trail in New Jersey or the mural in his honor in Pittsburgh.
- Take a moment to reflect on Bourdain’s impact on the culinary world and beyond, and consider how you can carry on his legacy of curiosity, empathy, and open-mindedness.
Why Bourdain Day is Important
Bourdain Day is important because it provides an opportunity to celebrate the life and work of Anthony Bourdain, a beloved chef, author, and television personality who inspired and touched the lives of many people around the world. Bourdain was known for his adventurous spirit, culinary expertise, and insightful commentary on culture and society, which he shared with his fans through his books and TV shows like “No Reservations” and “Parts Unknown.”
Bourdain’s death by suicide in 2018 was a shock to his fans and the culinary world, and Bourdain Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention. By celebrating Bourdain’s life and work, and by reflecting on the importance of mental health and well-being, Bourdain Day can help to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage people to seek help when they need it.
Moreover, Bourdain Day is important because it reminds us of the power of food and travel to bring people together, bridge cultural divides, and promote understanding and empathy. Bourdain was a champion of cultural exchange and he used food as a tool to connect with people from different backgrounds and to learn about their lives and perspectives. By celebrating Bourdain Day, we can honor his legacy and continue to promote these values of curiosity, respect, and compassion.
