Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Sonoran Desert Inn

September 25, 2026 | 5–8 p.m.

Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Ajo with an evening centered around food, culture and community at the Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center.

On September 25, the Inn will host a special Hispanic Heritage event featuring flavors inspired by the region and the culinary traditions that connect Ajo to the broader Sonoran Desert and Mexico.

One dish in particular will be worth making the trip for: Chiles en Nogada, prepared by local cook Dionne Vega.

A Special Taste of Ajo

Chiles en Nogada is a celebrated Mexican dish traditionally made with a stuffed chile topped with a creamy walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate.

It’s also a dish with a particularly local connection in Ajo.

Dionne comes from a multigenerational Ajo family and is the only person in town currently preparing this distinctive dish. Her cooking has become part of the food experience at special events and gatherings at the Sonoran Desert Inn, and she also creates specialty drinks featuring pomegranate and other seasonal flavors.

This September, visitors will have a special opportunity to experience her Chiles en Nogada as part of the Inn’s Hispanic Heritage celebration.

Food, Culture & Community

The evening will be a chance to gather around the table while celebrating the heritage, flavors and traditions that are such an important part of life in Ajo.

Last year’s Heritage & Flavor celebration included a ticketed dinner, local artists, family activities and a menu built around regional ingredients, including prickly pear and pomegranate. This year’s event will continue that spirit of bringing together food, creativity and community in one welcoming evening.

Additional details about the 2026 menu, tickets and activities will be announced as the event approaches.

Plan Your Visit

Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Friday, September 25, 2026

5–8 p.m.

Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center

If you’re visiting Ajo in September, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience something you won’t find on a typical restaurant menu: a dish rooted in Mexican culinary tradition, prepared by someone whose own story is deeply connected to the community.

Come hungry, stay awhile and celebrate the flavors and cultural traditions of the Sonoran Desert region with us.

More event details and ticket information coming soon.