Date
Friday
Sep
26

September 26

National Chimichanga Day

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

Yearly Date
September 26
Type
Day

Introduction

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!

National Chimichanga Day Timeline

1940s
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.
1980s
Chimichanga Goes Global
As Mexican and Southwestern cuisine became more popular globally, dishes like the chimichanga became well-known worldwide.
1990s
Fast Food Inclusion
Chimichangas became a staple item in fast food Mexican restaurants, further popularizing the dish.
2000s
Vegetarian Variations
Vegetarian and vegan versions of the chimichanga started to emerge, making this tasty meal accessible to a wider audience.
2015
Gourmet Spin
Chefs started to experiment with gourmet versions of chimichangas, adding a new twist to the traditional dish.
2018
National Chimichanga Day
National Chimichanga Day is officially recognized as a day to celebrate this tasty dish, held annually on September 26.

How to Celebrate National Chimichanga Day

1

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!

2

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.

3

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.

4

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!

5

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 We Love National Chimichanga Day

A

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.

B

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.

C

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!

National Chimichanga Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Sep 25
Monday
2024
Sep 25
Wednesday
2025
Sep 25
Thursday
2026
Sep 25
Friday
2027
Sep 25
Saturday