National Chimichanga Day is observed in the United States every September 26, celebrating the deep-fried burrito that has become a staple of Southwestern cuisine. The chimichanga is believed to have originated in Arizona, with claims of its invention linked to either Monica Flin at El Charro in Tucson in 1922 or Woody Johnson at Woody's El Nido in Phoenix shortly after 1946. The name "chimichanga" is a playful Spanish term meaning "thingamajig," allegedly exclaimed by the inventor after accidentally dropping a burrito into a deep fryer. To celebrate, people often enjoy chimichangas at their favorite restaurants, prepare them at home, or host Tex-Mex dinner parties. The holiday was initiated by Macayo’s Mexican restaurants in 2020 to honor this iconic dish. Popular fillings for chimichangas include various meats, cheese, and vegetables, typically served with sides like guacamole and salsa.