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National Chimichanga Day

Treat yourself to a delicious chimichanga on National Chimichanga Day - make it extra special with your favorite toppings and sides!

Saturday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 26

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYGlobal Cuisines

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Be excited to celebrate National Chimichanga Day on Sept. 26! The delicious deep-fried burrito-like dish originated in the American Southwest, and has been around since at least the 1940s. It is believed that the name "chimichanga" is derived from a mispronunciation of the Spanish word for "chimney sweep," which is chimenea. While its exact origin remains unknown, what we do know for sure is that it's an incredibly tasty dish that combines all sorts of flavors and textures in one scrumptious bite!

TIMELINE

National Chimichanga Day Timeline

Chimichanga Originates

The Chimichanga is believed to have been created in the 1940s in the American Southwest, bringing together Mexican cuisine and American cooking techniques.

Chimichanga Goes Global

As Mexican and Southwestern cuisine became more popular globally, dishes like the chimichanga became well-known worldwide.

Fast Food Inclusion

Chimichangas became a staple item in fast food Mexican restaurants, further popularizing the dish.

Vegetarian Variations

Vegetarian and vegan versions of the chimichanga started to emerge, making this tasty meal accessible to a wider audience.

Gourmet Spin

Chefs started to experiment with gourmet versions of chimichangas, adding a new twist to the traditional dish.

National Chimichanga Day

National Chimichanga Day is officially recognized as a day to celebrate this tasty dish, held annually on September 26.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Chimichanga Day

Try a different chimichanga

Chimichangas come in all shapes and sizes. Try something new, like a beef barbacoa chimichanga, or a chorizo and cheese chimichanga, or a spicy pork chimichanga. There is no end to the combinations you can try!

MAKE

Make your own chimichangas

Making your own chimichangas at home is easy and fun. Start with a filling of your choice, wrap it up in a corn or flour tortilla and deep fry it until golden brown. Top it off with some salsa and sour cream for a delicious treat.

VISIT

Visit a local Mexican restaurant

There's nothing like a good chimichanga made by professionals. Visit a local Mexican restaurant and enjoy a delicious chimichanga with all the fixins. Be sure to ask what their special of the day is.

HOST

Host a chimichanga party

Invite some friends over and have a chimichanga party! Ask everyone to bring their favorite fillings and toppings and have a blast making your own creations. Don't forget the margaritas!

ORGANIZE

Organize a food truck rally

Look for local food trucks that serve chimichangas and organize your own food truck rally! Invite friends to join you, grab some chairs and blankets, and enjoy the food and people watching.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Chimichanga Day

Chimichangas are fun to make

Making chimichangas is a great activity for family and friends. Gather around the kitchen table and let everyone assemble their own creations. Then pop them in the oven (or fryer!) and get ready for a yummy Mexican feast!

Chimichangas are delicious

There's something about a deep-fried, cheesy burrito that's hard to resist! The crunchy outer shell combined with the soft and tender filling will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Add some toppings like guacamole and sour cream, and you've got a comforting dish that's sure to satisfy.

Chimichangas are easy to customize

From spicy chicken to refried beans, the ingredients for chimichangas are only limited by one's creativity! Plus, they can be served as an entree or even as an appetizer. So no matter your preference, you're sure to find a combination that fits your taste.