International Day of Peace in Ajo - the Trinational Heart of the Sonoran desert

Every year around September 21st, the International Sonoran Desert Alliance, in collaboration with the local school district, businesses, civic organizations, and partners in Mexico and on the Tohono O’odham Nation, holds its annual International Day of Peace celebration in Ajo, AZ. The United Nations General Assembly in 1981 passed resolution 36/67 declaring an International Day of Peace; in 2001 it declared September 21st of each year the official date for international celebration and observation.

Ajo, AZ is uniquely situated. It is at the intersection of three nations, located about 40 miles from the Mexican border and next door to the Tohono O’odham Nation. International Day of Peace in Ajo has always been completely non-political by design. It is quite simply an opportunity to intentionally gather the peoples of the Sonoran Desert together in a spirit of friendship and respect. Every year we gather in a fun, celebratory way that highlights respect for the rich diversity of the region and the world at-large.

2024 Tentative Schedule (subject to change)

Monday, September 16th

Sonoran Desert Critter Adoption at Ajo Schools

Friday, September 20th:

1:15-3:30 PM: After-School Festival at the Ajo Unified School District Campus
3:00 PM: Parade Line-up at AUSD Campus
3:30 PM: Parade from AUSD Campus to the Ajo Plaza
4:00-8:00 PM: International Day of Peace Festival in the Plaza

During the International Day of Peace Celebration in Ajo, the town plaza is decorated with peace-themed 4’ x 8’ wooden murals sponsored by local businesses, designed by local artists and painted by the community, along with culturally inspired decorations. The celebration begins with the annual After School Peace Festival held on the Ajo Unified School District campus. From there, students from Ajo, the Tohono O’odham Nation and Mexico parade to the town plaza led by dignitaries, carrying 1,000 origami peace cranes (a gift from a Japanese peace delegation). Large dove puppet kites with 15-foot wingspans, dove and raven headdresses, giant Sonoran Desert “critter” puppets, peace poles and peace flags are all featured in this colorful multicultural community parade of about 200 participants. The community gathers in the Plaza to receive this whimsical and colorful parade while being entertained by a Tohono O’odham band and cultural foods vendors. Once the parade arrives, dance troupes, stilt walkers, and more thrill the crowd with their lively entertainment.