Image taken from foodnetwork.com

What are ñoquis del 29? Well, in some South American countries, it is a tradition to eat ñoquis (gnocchis—they are potato-filled pasta balls) on the 29^th of every month. Not only that, but the ñoquis are meant to be eaten with either a banknote or a one peso coin under the plate in order to bring prosperity in the month to come.

Seems a little random, doesn’t it? Well, there’s actually reason behind it. You see, when the tradition started, people used to get paid at the end of every month (so either the 30^th or the 31^st of each month, with the exception of February). This means that by the end of the month, they were at their poorest, especially on the 29^th, as it would have been the last day before getting paid. í‘oquis are one of the cheapest foods you can buy, as they are literally made out of pasta and potatoes—two of the starchiest, most filling foods you can combine, hence, everyone ate ñoquis as their last dinner before payday.

The exact tradition varies slightly from place to place, but the concept of ñoquis del 29 exists in most of the South American countries that have a strong Italian influence, including Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Enjoy your ñoquis, y que tengas mucha prosperidad en el mes que viene (we wish you lots of prosperity in the next month)!

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