National Taco Day in Alaska Is All About Flavor, History and Fun
Every year, taco lovers from Barrow to Ketchikan (and everywhere in between) get another reason to enjoy their favorite food. In 2025, October 7 marks National Taco Day, and Rafelitos will be celebrating with flavor, laughter, and community.
When you’ve got a plate of tacos in Anchorage, every day feels like its worth celebrating.
The Taco’s Explosive History
The modern word “taco” is believed to have started in the 18th-century silver mines of Mexico. Miners used small paper-wrapped charges of gunpowder, called “tacos,” to blast through rock. Their lunch of tortillas filled with spicy meat looked so much like the dynamite sticks that the name stuck.
Fortunately, the only blasts we experience today are from bold, unforgettable flavors.
From Mexico to America
The taco first appeared in the United States in 1905, when Mexican migrants brought their recipes north while working on railroads and construction jobs. In Los Angeles, women known as “chili queens” sold these flavorful street foods from small carts, introducing Americans to authentic Mexican cooking for the first time.
At first, the tacos’ spices and seasonings felt unfamiliar to American palates. By the 1920s, they began to evolve. Traditional fillings made from organ meats were replaced with ground beef or chicken, and new toppings like cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato became common.
This blend of ingredients gave rise to a new kind of taco that combined Mexican tradition with fresh ideas and reshaped what the world thought a taco could be.
Tacos have a history worth celebrating, and we’re proud to continue it here in Alaska. In fact, The Taco Fiend on TikTok gave our al pastor taco a 9.0, rivaling some of Southern California’s best! Rafelitos is a must-try for anyone chasing authentic flavor.
The Curious History Behind National Taco Day
How did a simple street food earn its own holiday? The story is as layered as a plate of nachos.
1989: Taco Bell promoted National Taco Month, hoping to spark a new food trend. It didn’t quite take off
2000: Chuy’s Tex-Mex tried to trademark “National Taco Day” and named June 12th the official date.
2004: internet chatter crowned October 4th as the “real” celebration.
2009: Del Taco sent out a major press release that went viral and cemented October 4th in public memory.
2024: Taco Bell and National Day Calendar officially moved National Taco Day to the first Tuesday in October, aligning it with the beloved Taco Tuesday. From now on, the celebration lands right where it belongs—on a Tuesday.
The date may have shifted, but the meaning stayed the same. National Taco Day celebrates shared culture, good food, and the communities that bring people together.
A Crunchy Twist in Taco History
Did you know the crunchy taco shell wasn’t invented until the 1940s? Mexican innovators came up with the idea to make taco prep faster in busy taquerías. About ten years later, Taco Bell picked it up and brought the crispy shell to the masses.
Before that, tacos were always soft, cooked to order, and meant to be eaten fresh. The crunchy version turned tacos into a fast, handheld favorite across America and changed taco history forever.
Alaska’s Love for Real Tacos
There’s something comforting about tacos that fits perfectly in Alaska. The warmth of a handmade tortilla and the sizzle of carne asada feel right against the cool northern air. Locals call Rafelitos “the best tacos in Anchorage”, and visitors from the Lower 48 often make the trip just to try them.
Our story began in Tijuana, where our family ran a small taquería beside our dad’s mechanic shop. That same love for real food made its way north, and today it lives on in every taco we serve.
What Makes Rafelitos Special
You can’t rush great tacos. That’s why we never try. Every taco we make starts with:
Handmade tortillas that hold every flavor together
Marinated meats grilled to perfection
Salsas with just the right kick
From Anchorage to Wasilla and Palmer, every taco connects you to real Mexican tradition with no shortcuts, just heart, spice, and soul.
And while you’re here, don’t skip the horchata. It’s our traditional, creamy, non-alcoholic drink. Recipes vary by region, but ours features a smooth cinnamon base, sweetened with sugar and touched with vanilla. It’s the perfect cool balance to a plate of warm, savory tacos.
Celebrate National Taco Day with Rafelitos
Whether it’s October 7 or any day of the year, Rafelitos is ready to serve authentic Mexican tacos made with passion and pride. Stop by for your favorites like al pastor, carne asada, birria, as well as our veggie tacos.
Bring friends and share your photos and tag us @rafelitosak on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook. Let’s show everyone that Alaska knows how to celebrate National Taco Day in true Mexican style!
🎉 Happy National Taco Day from Rafelitos — Anchorage’s favorite taco spot! 🌮