Chihuahuan Desert Celebration Day

Zoo Education and Conservation Curator Rick LoBello admiring a giant dagger at Big Bend National Park.

Proclamation City of El Paso

Be it Proclaimed: by the Mayor and Council of the City of El Paso, encouraging all residents to take part in honoring and protecting this treasured desert landscape through education, celebration, and conservation efforts. September 27, 2025, and the fourth Saturday of each September thereafter, shall be known as International Chihuahuan Desert Celebration Day.

Buckbeak the Swainson’s Hawk at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens with Education Specialist Heather Rivera

The city of El Paso officially celebrates International Chihuahuan Desert Celebration Day, which highlights the unique natural beauty and ecological significance of the region. This exciting proclamation was the culmination of over two decades of dedicated efforts by local organizations, including the Chamizal National Memorial and the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition (CDEC), according to Chamizal National Memorial’s Facebook post. 

Key aspects of the Celebration Day and related events:

  • Designation: Starting September 27, 2025, and continuing every 4th Saturday of September, El Paso will officially observe International Chihuahuan Desert Celebration Day. The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition notes that they aim for it to be celebrated around the world, specifically mentioning the Chihuahuan Desert region of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico.
  • Purpose: The celebration serves as an opportunity for El Paso and El Paso County residents to deepen their connection with the local landscape and appreciate its rich natural beauty and heritage.
  • Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta: A key component of this celebration is the annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta, hosted by the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens in partnership with the CDEC, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Parque Central in Juarez.
  • 21st Annual Fiesta: The 21st annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the El Paso Zoo, from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm.
  • Activities: The Fiesta features learning opportunities about the Chihuahuan Desert through zoo exhibits, discovery tables with local organizations and educators, animal encounter presentations, educational booths, and entertainment.
  • Accessibility: The events at the zoo are included with the regular entrance fee. 

In essence, El Paso’s International Chihuahuan Desert Celebration Day and the associated Fiesta provide a framework for the community and visitors to engage with, learn about, and celebrate the unique and important ecosystem of the Chihuahuan Desert. 

Learn more here on how your organization can participate and plan for the event at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Photos
Cover of packrat by Gregory-slobirdr-Smith-2, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Others by Rick LoBello