Cesar Chavez Day

Cesar Chavez Day is an annual holiday dedicated to a remarkable man. Cesar Chavez is forever remembered in American society as a leader who fought for the rights and freedoms of migrant workers. The holiday is observed on March 31.

History

The date of birth of the human rights activist, March 31, 1927, was chosen as the day of celebration. Cesar Estrada Chavez was born in Yuma, Arizona. Three years later, the Great Depression hit, and his family lost their homestead. They had to move to California to find work and earn money to support themselves.

The years of migration left a strong impression on Chavez. He left school and went to work in the fields. At 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for two years. Later, Chavez returned to farm work and started a family. Dissatisfied with the hard life and lack of financial security despite his labor, he realized that such injustice toward migrant workers needed to be addressed. In 1952, this realization led him to create the Hispanic Civil Rights Group, the Community Service Organization (C.S.O.).

The organization grew and developed. Ten years after its creation, Cesar stepped down as national director. He then teamed up with Dolores Huerta to form the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), an organization that monitored farms to ensure that workers were treated fairly and that their rights were respected.

Chavez died in 1993, leaving behind a significant legacy that later inspired the creation of many human rights organizations.

Interesting facts

• Cesar Chavez was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously for his contributions.
• In American society, Chavez earned the status of a “People’s Hero.”
• In 2000, California made Cesar Chavez Day an official state holiday.

How to celebrate

Learn more about Chavez’s work on this day. What is your opinion of this historical figure?

Spread the word on social media. Discuss the merits of Cesar Chavez with others.

When is Cesar Chavez Day in 2025?

Cesar Chavez Day is observed on March 31 each year.

Observations