Gnocchi is a family of small dumplings in Italian cuisine and is made from potato, semolina, or flour, usually served with a sauce.
The 29th of each month in Argentina is Dia de Ñoquis — the Day of Gnocchi, and it is a national holiday.
Most families get together on this day and eat gnocchi, and restaurants run gnocchi specials.
Traditionally, the diner puts money under the plate to attract prosperity.
And this money is left for the host(ess) to pay for the gnocchi for the following month (or is given to the needy).
There are several theories on how the tradition of Gnocchi day started.
Theory 1: It was started as a tribute to an Italian Saint named Saint Pantaleon.
Many believed that the Italian immigrants (whose descendants make up about 50 percent of Argentina’s population) might have brought this tradition with them.
In the 8th century, Pantaleon—a young doctor—went on a pilgrimage and performed miraculous healings on people for which he was {tooltip}canonised{end-text}Officially declared a saint on the 29th of a month.
Theory 2: Fewer resources towards the end of the month led people to choose cheap ingredients required for gnocchi.
Some people credit the housewives in the 1970s for this tradition.
The Italian migrants were on a meagre salary and were paid on the first of every month.
By the end of the month, there wasn’t much money left, and they could only afford inexpensive food.
Potatoes and wheat, the key ingredients in gnocchi, were inexpensive, and housewives in the 1970s thought it was best to make it a ritual to eat these dumplings towards the end of each month.
