...

By Dan Cody

Digital Media Reporter

0

Share

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

César Chávez Day, observed annually on March 31, commemorates the birthday and legacy of the civil rights and labor leader who championed the rights of farmworkers. While not a federal public holiday, it is officially recognized in several states and marked with various closures and commemorations.

The holiday, established as a federal commemorative observance by President Barack Obama in 2014, is recognized differently across the country. Some states close government offices and schools, while others honor the day without official closures.

Here's what's closed in key U.S. cities observing the holiday, according to local news outlets.

Read More on News

California

Los Angeles

Most Los Angeles city and county agencies will be closed on Monday, March 31, in observance of César Chávez Day. This includes:

• Los Angeles city offices and bureaus
• Los Angeles Public Library and Los Angeles County Library branches
• Los Angeles Superior Court
• Los Angeles Unified School District
• Department of Motor Vehicles

Public transit via LA Metro buses and subways will operate on a regular weekday schedule.

San Diego

In San Diego County, all public offices, family resource centers, library branches and animal shelters will be closed. Several community centers will also shut their doors for the day, including:

• Fallbrook Community Center
• Lakeside Community Center
• Spring Valley Community Center and Gymnasium
• 4S Ranch Recreation Office
• Valley Center Community Hall
• Adams Park Pool
• Community teen centers

All county public health clinics will be closed as well. In the City of San Diego, libraries, recreation centers, pools and administrative offices will be closed. Curbside trash pickup and MTS transit services will continue as normal.

Colorado

Denver

Denver city offices will be closed on March 31 in honor of Chávez's birthday. Closures include libraries, municipal courts, clerk and recorder offices, and motor vehicle title and registration offices.

"Street meters in Denver will be free, but time restrictions still apply." Trash, recycling and compost collection will proceed on the usual schedule.

Texas

El Paso

Multiple offices and agencies in El Paso will be closed for César Chávez Day:

• All El Paso Community College campuses
• El Paso County administrative offices and the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse
• All City of El Paso administrative offices
• City museums including the Museum of Archaeology, Museum of Art and Museum of History
• Recreation centers, senior centers, aquatics facilities
• Public libraries
• Municipal court/bond offices
• One-stop shop
• Community care center and immunization clinics
• Rawlings Dental Clinic
• WIC offices and Medicaid Waiver Program
• HIV Prevention Center and STD clinic

Animal Services will be partially open, and Sun Metro buses and BRIO services will operate on a regular schedule.

Dallas and Tarrant Counties

Dallas and Tarrant counties will close their offices on March 31. This marks the first year that Dallas County is officially observing César Chávez Day as a county holiday following a vote in August 2024.

Grand Prairie has also adopted César Chávez/Dolores Huerta Day as an official city holiday. "The city said at the time there will be 'commemorative festivities to celebrating their enduring legacy each March 31 beginning in 2025.'"

Who Was César Chávez?

...

César Estrada Chávez was born on March 31, 1927, in Yuma, Arizona. He co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with Dolores Huerta in 1962, which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW). Chávez led national campaigns to improve working conditions for farm laborers through nonviolent means.

Chávez adopted the phrase "Si, se puede," as a rallying cry during a fast conducted in 1972. The phrase means "Yes, it can be done" in English and became central to the commitment to nonviolent methods for achieving change.

Though observance of the day varies, César Chávez Day remains a growing symbol of labor rights and Latino civil rights across the U.S.

View 0 Comments

Request Reprint & Licensing

Submit Correction

View Editorial & AI Guidelines