For the 37th straight year, the city is celebrating Jamaican cuisine, culture and its connection to the city with Jamaican Patty Day, held annually on February 23.
“The people of Toronto are very passionate about this Jamaican staple; everyone has an opinion about who makes the best beef patty in town. It’s also a great opportunity to support your favourite local patty vendor,” said Angella Bennett, the Regional Director of the Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board. “We encourage all Torontonians to celebrate Jamaican Patty Day in Toronto and savour a taste of the island here at home.”
In February 1985, Toronto hosted the now-historic “Patty Wars.” City food inspectors and Jamaican vendors got into a dispute after the city officials protested the vendors’ use of the phrase “beef patties.” Both groups negotiated and, of course, the vendors won. February 23’s festival is a celebration of their victory.
The celebration even has a political fan base. “The City of Toronto is home to a vibrant Jamaican population whose unique contributions to food, music, and art enrich our city’s diverse culture,” wrote mayor John Tory in a letter of greeting. “As one of the world’s most diverse cities and home to people from all over the world, the valued contributions of diverse communities strengthen our society and contribute to our city’s motto, ‘Diversity Our Strength.'”
The food holiday celebrates Jamaica’s culture, impact and positive influence on the city of Toronto, selecting one of the most iconic traditional dishes to celebrate. There are many Jamaican patty places across the city, including the decades-old Randy’s Take Out, a family-owned eatery serving up patties so good there’s often a lineup around the corner.
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Get in on the fun and celebrate Jamaican Patty Day every February 23 by ordering takeout, delivery or dine-in from local Jamaican restaurants.