National Cotton Candy Day
National Cotton Day is observed annually on December 7 gives everyone a chance to enjoy this sugary, whimsical, and magical treat.
Whether you cherish it at carnivals, festivals, or from a local stand, cotton candy known by several names like candyfloss or fairy floss is a favorite worldwide.
The exact date of when National Cotton Candy Day began is not well-documented, but it likely arose to honor the invention and widespread appeal of cotton candy, a treat that traces its roots to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Sugary History of Cotton Candy
The origins of this flossy treat trace back to 19th-century Europe, where spun sugar was considered a luxury due to the labor-intensive process required to make it.
Some sources stated that ancient versions of spun sugar could be found as early as the 15th century in Italy.
A major breakthrough that made cotton candy accessible happened in 1897 when William Morrison, a dentist and John C. Wharton invented the first machine-spun cotton candy. This was officially introduced at the World's Fair in 1904 under the name “Fairy Floss”. It became a huge hit selling over 68,000 boxes for 25¢ each-a very expensive amount during that time.
Albert D. Robinson patented an electric candy-spinning machine in 1905 that further streamlined production.
A dentist named Joseph Lascaux based in New Orleans developed an identical machine in 1921 and named it “cotton candy” that outweighed “fairy floss” although fairy floss is still used in Australia.
Automatic cotton candy machine was invented in the 1970s that paved the way for more cost-effective production especially at fairs and carnivals.
Cotton Candy Around the World
Cotton candy is loved globally, with each country putting its unique spin on this classic treat:
- USA: Classic pink and blue cotton candy enjoyed at fairs and amusement parks.
- Japan: Known as “wataame,” Japanese cotton candy can be found in unique flavors and shapes, often made to resemble characters or animals.
- Brazil: “Algodão doce” is a popular treat at festivals, often served in vibrant colors.
- France: The French enjoy cotton candy as “barbe à papa,” often found at street fairs and markets.
- India: Known as “hawai mithai,” cotton candy is commonly sold at festivals and fairs, often in bright, festive colors.
How to Observe National Cotton Candy Day
You can observe this day by visiting a local stand or carnival and get yourself a fresh and fluffy cotton candy. If you are up for an adventure, you can try to make your own cotton candy at home and experiment with different flavors and colors.
Host a cotton-candy themed party and set up a station where guests can try to spin their own cotton candy.
You can also share the sweetness by donating bags of cotton candy to local shelters or orphanages, spreading joy to those in need. For a creative twist, consider using cotton candy to top desserts like cupcakes or ice cream, or even make cotton candy cocktails.
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