Signature events and festivals are a celebratory reminder of ISDA’s commitment to bring diverse peoples and cultures together toward building strong community across borders and boundaries. We believe in the disarming and transformative power of art and artists to connect us and promote healing from historic trauma.

International Day of Peace

Every year around September 21st, the International Sonoran Desert Alliance, in collaboration with the local school, 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 21 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.

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.

peace and friendship festival

The Peace & Friendship Festival is held each year in mid-February in Sonoyta, Sonora Mexico. It began as a way for our neighbors in Mexico who are unable to cross into the United States for the International Day of Peace to experience the same kind of celebration. The Festival has grown since its inception in 2011, and now includes a parade through town as well as music, dance, performances, and food vendors. Each year a caravan of cars from Ajo travels to Sonoyta for the Festival.

The Peace & Friendship Festival is supported by ISDA in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, DIF, and COBACH in Sonoyta, Sonora Mexico.

Ajo Arts Weekend - Street Art Happening

Started in 2015 as a gathering of community-engaged artists, educators and practitioners, Ajo Arts Weekend has developed into a bi-enniel convening of visual and performing artists to celebrate the ‘Sonoran Experience’ by activating and engaging with the tiny desert town of Ajo, AZ in a big way. Over a three day span, artists paint murals, perform, host workshops and celebrate together in a culminating block party in Ajo’s historic town center.

The central event of the Arts Weekend is the Street Art Happening. Originally organized by the grassroots Ajo Street Art Project collective in 2015, the Street Happening has morphed into a biennial event organized by the Sonoran Community Arts Collective, where local, regional and international muralists transform neglected areas of the community with a series of individual and collaborative murals. Walls are continually transformed as murals are added and expanded over time. ISDA is a committed patron and co-host of these amazing events.

Second Saturdays in Ajo

ISDA, in collaboration with a variety of community partners, coordinates a series of events every second Saturday from October through May. Activities include: tours of Ajo’s early 1900’s “City Beautiful Movement” architecture--the Plaza and the Curley School; visiting local farmers and artisan markets; an invitation to drop by the Clay Studio in the historic Manual Arts Building at the Curley School campus;  a sunset tour of Childs Mountain and in the evenings live music and dancing in the historic Ajo Plaza Rec Hall.