National Chimichanga Day – September 26, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
National Chimichanga Day is on September 26 and it’s an opportunity to celebrate one of the greatest culinary accidents in history — the deep-fried goodness that is the chimichanga. Created in 1946 — the same year as the popular Mexican restaurant concept was launched — the chimichanga (which means ‘thingamajig’ in Spanish), has become a staple on Mexican restaurant menus around the country.
History of National Chimichanga Day
Simple but delicious, chimichangas are made from tortillas that are filled with spiced meats and beans, rolled up and placed into hot oil to deep fry them. Covered in sauce and served with condiments like sour cream and guacamole, this tasty treat has probably been around for more than 75 years.
A food that is often associated with Mexican or Tex-Mex food, this deep-fried burrito actually originated in the United States. One story goes that in the late 1940s, a woman named Monica Flin was making burritos in Tucson, Arizona when one of them accidentally fell into a vat of hot oil. She owned a cafe at the time and they started putting them on the menu.
Another tale is also set in Tucson but, this time, the burrito is accidentally dropped into oil at a restaurant called Macayo’s by the founder, Woody Johnson. Still another story is that Chinese immigrants, who settled in Sonora, Mexico, created them in the early 1900s as they were similar to the Chinese egg roll.
The word chimichanga is a strange one, meaning something like a trinket or a ‘thingamajig’ in Mexican Spanish. It has sometimes been used as an expletive but the sound of it certainly rolls off the tongue and makes a delightful name for this tasty dish.
No matter how they got their start – whether people were being unusually careless around hot oil or they just wondered what a deep fried burrito would taste like – the chimichanga is a popular cuisine that is worth celebrating. And National Chimichanga Day is just the time to do it!
NATIONAL CHIMICHANGA DAY TIMELINE
1946
Macayo’s Opens in Phoenix
The legendary Macayo’s restaurant is founded and becomes a staple of Phoenix’s dining scene for three-quarters of a century.
1946
A Timeless Classic Gets a New Spin
Created by accident when the Macayo’s founder drops a meat burrito into the deep fryer at the restaurant in Phoenix, the chimichanga becomes a staple of Mexican restaurants the world over.
2009
Hail to the Chimi
Chimichangas are among the most popular dishes at Mexican restaurants like Macayo’s and they attract the attention of the first family — President Barack Obama orders a signature chimi while celebrating his daughter Malia’s birthday at the Macayo’s central location in Phoenix.
2010–2011
Check Yes for Chimi
Public referendums are rarely this tasty but during this time Macayo’s leads an effort to have the chimichanga named the state food of Arizona.
2020
National Chimichanga Day is Launched
Every day is a good day for a chimichanga but to give this dish the recognition it deserves, Macayo’s starts National Chimichanga Day.
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How to Celebrate National Chimichanga Day
Enjoy this delicious day by engaging with some of these ideas for National Chimichanga Day:
Go Out for Chimichangas
Many Tex-Mex and Mexican restaurants in the US and other places will proudly make chimichangas available on their menu. Often filled with options for spicy, shredded chicken or beef, each restaurant may have a different take on the dish. Fillings usually also include refried beans and cheese, and a sour cream style sauce is typically poured over the top.
Grab some friends and head out to a local restaurant for National Chimichanga Day. And don’t forget to ask if they have special deals or discounts in celebration of the day!
Learn How to Make Chimichangas
Though they are a little more fussy than some other Tex-Mex types foods, chimichangas are absolutely worth it! Start by slow cooking the meat with spices until it is so tender that it falls apart. Then add the meat with cheese and refried beans to fill up the flour tortillas.
Wrap carefully and fry them with the seam-side down to keep them from falling apart. Chimichangas can also be baked. After cooking, cover with a delicious sauce like queso or sour cream and guacamole. Add some chips and salsa on the side and don’t forget to serve with margaritas or sangria to perfectly round out the meal!
