What began as a joke between two friends in Florida in 2005, Meat Week is a national holiday with a growing number of fans dedicated to celebrating good ol’ traditional Southern BBQ. It takes place over eight consecutive nights, like Hannukkah for extreme carnivores with meat instead of gelt. During the last week of January every year, enthusiasts gather to eat tons of carne across America. Because we aren’t fat enough.

Every city has an appointed Captain and First Mate (of... meat?) who designate where the gluttony goes down each night. Last night, they kicked the event off at Cat's Head BBQ, and will continue to move through the city’s go-to BBQ joints during the week. Memphis Minnie's and Baby Blues made the line-up. If you're hungry, here’s a more detailed look at the schedule.