César Chávez Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. California officially renamed it Farmworkers Day on March 26, 2026, when Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2156. It is not a federal holiday.
César Chávez Day is observed annually on March 31, the birthday of labor organizer César Estrada Chávez (1927–1993).
California designated March 31 as a state holiday nearly 30 years ago, becoming the first state to do so. In 2000, the California Legislature passed legislation making it an official paid day off for state employees and mandating that students learn about Chávez’s legacy in the labor movement. Several other states followed with their own observances.
In 2026, the holiday’s name, scope, and public framing changed significantly across multiple states and municipalities following a New York Times investigation published on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
The investigation included allegations that Chávez had sexually abused girls and women, including an allegation made publicly by Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW).
Disambiguation note: This article covers labor organizer César Estrada Chávez (1927–1993), founder of the United Farm Workers. He is not the same person as Julio César Chávez, the Mexican professional boxer.
Table of Contents
César Chávez Day / Farmworkers Day 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 |
| Official name in California | Farmworkers Day (as of March 26, 2026) |
| Legislation | Assembly Bill 2156, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom |
| Federal holiday? | No |
| States with official observance | California, Colorado, Texas (modified), Arizona (select jurisdictions), New Mexico, Michigan |
| Paid holiday for state workers? | Yes, in California |
| USPS open? | Yes |
| Federal offices open? | Yes |
| Stock market open? | Yes — NYSE and NASDAQ operate normally |
Why Is It Called Farmworkers Day in 2026?
California renamed César Chávez Day to Farmworkers Day after the state legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill 2156, which Governor Gavin Newsom signed on Thursday, March 26, 2026 — five days before the holiday.
The name change was a direct legislative response to a New York Times investigation published on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. That investigation alleged that Chávez had sexually abused multiple girls and women.
Among those who accused him was Dolores Huerta, who co-led the farmworker movement with Chávez and later co-founded the United Farm Workers. Huerta also made her account public independently, through an online statement and an interview with the Times.
Chávez died on April 23, 1993, and cannot respond to the allegations.
How the Legislation Passed
The California Senate approved AB 2156 by a vote of 37–0. The Assembly passed the bill with bipartisan support earlier in the week. Republican Sen. Suzette Valladares voted in favor, stating that the holiday “is not about one person” and instead honors “generations of sacrifice, of resilience and hope.”
California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, in a statement issued on March 19, 2026, said: “The farmworker movement was never about one man. It was built by thousands — tens of thousands — of workers.”
What the Legislation Does and Does Not Change
The legislation changed the official name of the March 31 state holiday. It did not immediately address California’s existing curriculum requirement that students learn about Chávez’s role in the labor movement. State leaders confirmed they are in active conversation with school officials to revise lesson plans ahead of the 2026–2027 school year.
The date remains March 31. The paid state employee holiday status is unchanged. The reframing shifts the holiday from honoring a single individual to honoring the collective farmworker movement.
Actions Taken Across California
Within days of the allegations becoming public, cities and counties across California took independent action:
- Sacramento — City leadership ordered a statue of Chávez in Cesar E. Chávez Plaza covered. Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty stated the city would ensure “the naming of our City facilities aligns with our values.”
- Sacramento County — The Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on March 24, 2026, to rename its observance to Sacramento County Farm Workers Appreciation Day.
- Fresno — California State University, Fresno covered Chávez’s campus statue. Fresno County renamed its holiday to Fresno County Farmworker and Agriculture Appreciation Day.
- San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose — All three cities initiated processes to remove Chávez’s name from public landmarks, parks, plazas, libraries, and schools.
- San Jose — On March 25, 2026, the Rules and Open Government Committee approved the first step in Mayor Matt Mahan’s plan to rename city-owned sites bearing Chávez’s name, including Plaza de Cesar Chavez.
- Oxnard — The City Council scheduled a discussion on renaming Cesar Chávez Drive for its next meeting on April 7, 2026. This is notable because Oxnard’s La Colonia neighborhood is where Chávez grew up.
Is César Chávez Day a Federal Holiday in 2026?
No. César Chávez Day / Farmworkers Day is not a federal holiday. It is a state-designated observance in select states.
Federal vs. State Holiday Status
Federal offices, federal courts, the U.S. Postal Service, and federally chartered banks do not close on March 31, 2026. The Office of Personnel Management does not include it on the federal holiday calendar. Federal employees do not receive paid leave for this day unless their employing agency makes a separate determination.
The distinction between a presidential proclamation and a statutory federal holiday is relevant here. Presidents, including Barack Obama, issued annual proclamations recognizing César Chávez Day. A presidential proclamation does not create a federal holiday; only an act of Congress can do that. No such act has passed.
What Remains Open on March 31, 2026
- U.S. Postal Service: Open, mail delivered
- Federal government offices: Open
- Federal courts: Open
- NYSE and NASDAQ: Open, normal trading hours
- National banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citi): Open — these institutions follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule, which does not include March 31
State-chartered banks in California may vary. Customers should verify directly with their bank.
Private Employers in California
California law does not require private employers to give employees March 31 as a paid day off. The paid holiday designation applies only to California state government employees. HR professionals and payroll administrators should note this distinction: Farmworkers Day is a paid state employee holiday, not a mandatory private-sector holiday.
Which States Observe César Chávez Day / Farmworkers Day in 2026?
Six states have some form of official observance on or around March 31: California, Colorado, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Michigan. The specific status of each varies significantly in 2026.
2026 State-by-State Observance Status
| State | 2026 Status | Official Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Active — Renamed | Farmworkers Day | AB 2156 signed March 26, 2026; state offices and CSU campuses closed |
| Colorado | Active — Renaming in progress | Farm Workers Day (pending) | Denver renamed its celebration “Si Se Puede Day”; bust of Chávez removed from city park |
| Texas | Non-observance in 2026 | N/A | Gov. Greg Abbott directed state agencies not to observe; working with legislators to remove it from state law |
| Arizona | Partial — local jurisdictions only | Varies | Not a state holiday; Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council postponed its annual Chávez Community Breakfast |
| New Mexico | Active | César Chávez Day | Observed, often coincides with Spring Break |
| Michigan | Active | César Chávez Day | State observance continues |
| Minnesota | Legislation pending removal | N/A | State lawmakers sent a bill to Gov. Tim Walz to strip the day from the state calendar entirely |
Texas
Governor Greg Abbott announced Texas would not observe the holiday in 2026 and directed all state agency heads to comply. Abbott also stated his intention to work with the state legislature to remove the observance from state law entirely. Austin ISD had historically observed March 31 as César Chávez and Dolores Huerta Day. Houston ISD had already renamed its observance to Farmworkers Day prior to the 2026 controversy.
Colorado
Colorado’s state-level renaming from César Chávez Day to Farm Workers Day was under active legislative consideration as of late March 2026. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston independently renamed the city’s March 31 celebration “Si Se Puede Day” and removed a bust of Chávez from a Denver city park.
Renamed Community Events in 2026
Several annual community celebrations that had been centered on Chávez were rebranded:
- Tucson, Arizona — The annual César Chávez and Dolores Huerta March and Rally was scaled back and rebranded as the Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair, with no march or car show, focusing on labor rights broadly.
- Grand Junction, Colorado — Organizers had already printed flyers and T-shirts bearing Chávez’s name; the event was renamed the Sí, Se Puede Celebration.
- El Paso, Texas — March 31 is observed as Community and Labor Heritage Day.
- Dallas, Texas — City council members proposed renaming the local observance Dolores Huerta Day, moving it to April 10, Huerta’s birthday.
Schools and Universities Closed on César Chávez Day 2026
Many California school districts and all 23 California State University campuses are closed on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Several out-of-state districts that historically observed the holiday have renamed or modified their 2026 closures.
Major School Districts: Closure Status
| School District | State | Closure Date(s) | 2026 Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Unified (LAUSD) | CA | March 27 – April 3 | Observed March 27; March 31 is part of Spring Recess; LAUSD school board approved plans to recognize Farmworkers Day |
| San Francisco Unified (SFUSD) | CA | March 27 – April 3 | March 31 observed as Farmworkers Day; also part of Spring Recess |
| San Diego Unified | CA | March 30 – April 3 | March 31 part of Spring Break |
| Denver Public Schools (DPS) | CO | March 31 | Observed; renamed in alignment with city’s Si Se Puede framing |
| Austin ISD (AISD) | TX | March 31 | Historically observed as César Chávez and Dolores Huerta Day; verify 2026 status with district |
| Houston ISD (HISD) | TX | March 30 | Already renamed to Farmworkers Day; observed Monday, March 30 |
| Chicago Public Schools (CPS) | IL | March 31 | Observed as a holiday |
| Phoenix Union High School District | AZ | March 30 | Observed Monday, March 30 |
| Albuquerque Public Schools | NM | March 30 – April 3 | March 31 part of Spring Break |
University Systems
| University System | State | Closure Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California (UC) | CA | Friday, March 27, 2026 | All 10 campuses observe on March 27; includes UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego |
| California State University (CSU) | CA | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | All 23 campuses closed; includes CSUN, CSU Fullerton, Cal State Fresno |
Cal State Fresno is a notable case: the campus covered its Chávez statue following the March 18, 2026, allegations, and the campus closure on March 31 now coincides with the Farmworkers Day designation rather than a Chávez-named observance.
Curriculum Changes in California
California is actively revising its K–12 history curriculum. The 2000 legislation that made March 31 a paid holiday also required schools to teach students about Chávez’s legacy. AB 2156 did not repeal that curriculum mandate, but state leaders have directed school officials to diminish Chávez’s individual role in lesson plans and elevate the broader farmworker movement. Revised history standards are expected ahead of the August 2026 school year.
What This Means for Classroom Instruction on Farmworkers Day 2026
Teachers in California are currently operating under interim guidance to shift lesson plans away from Chávez as a singular historical figure. Recommended instructional pivots include focusing on the collective farmworker movement, the founding of the National Farm Workers Association by multiple organizers, the Delano Grape Strike as a community-driven event, and Dolores Huerta’s documented role in coining “Sí, Se Puede” in 1972.
The History of the Farmworker Movement: What March 31 Honors
March 31 honors the collective farmworker rights movement that emerged from California’s agricultural heartland in the 1960s. The reframing of the holiday in 2026 from individual commemorations to a movement commemoration reflects a deliberate legislative and civic decision to center the many rather than the one.
The Delano Grape Strike (1965)
In September 1965, Filipino American farmworkers belonging to the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) walked off grape fields in Delano, California, demanding wages equal to the federal minimum wage of $1.25 per hour. The National Farm Workers Association (NFWA), then led by Chávez, voted to join the strike on September 16, 1965 — Mexican Independence Day.
The combined strike grew into a five-year national boycott of California table grapes. By 1970, an estimated 17 million Americans had stopped buying grapes, according to UFW historical records. The boycott resulted in the first union contracts covering agricultural workers in California, establishing wage increases and health and safety protections.
Founding of the United Farm Workers
Chávez, Huerta, and Gilbert Padilla co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962 in Fresno, California. The NFWA merged with AWOC in 1966 to form the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee, which became the United Farm Workers of America (UFW) in 1972.
The UFW’s membership peaked at approximately 50,000 workers in the late 1970s. As of 2026, UFW membership is substantially lower than during Chávez’s era — a documented trend driven by structural changes in California agricultural labor markets.
Dolores Huerta’s Role and the Origin of “Sí, Se Puede”
Dolores Huerta co-founded the UFW alongside Chávez and has been recognized as one of the primary architects of the farmworker movement. She coined the phrase “Sí, Se Puede” — translated as “Yes, we can” — in 1972 during a campaign to register farmworkers to vote in Arizona. The phrase became the UFW’s rallying cry and was later adopted widely across American political movements.
In 2026, Huerta’s role is being centered more explicitly in how California and other jurisdictions describe the farmworker movement, in part because of the contrast between her public standing and the allegations against Chávez. Several cities, including Dallas, have proposed naming their local observance Dolores Huerta Day and moving it to April 10, her birthday.
Concrete Policy Gains of the Movement
The farmworker movement produced measurable legislative outcomes. The California Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA), signed by Governor Jerry Brown in 1975, was the first law in the United States to grant farmworkers the right to collective bargaining. Protections secured through UFW contracts and California law include:
- Wage floors tied to state minimum wage increases
- Pesticide exposure regulations are enforced by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation
- Portable toilets and hand-washing facilities in agricultural fields are mandated under the California Labor Code
- The right to organize and strike without employer retaliation
The UFW, in response to the 2026 allegations, stated that the rights won by the farmworker movement “cannot be erased by the horrific actions of one person.”
Why March 31 Matters in 2026: Current Context
Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón referenced current conditions when she addressed the California Senate before the AB 2156 vote. She noted that a farmworker in her district died after being chased by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in the summer of 2025. She described March 31 as “a reminder of how much farmworkers risk every day to put food on our table.”
California’s agricultural sector employs an estimated 400,000 to 800,000 workers seasonally, depending on harvest cycles, according to the California Employment Development Department. Federal immigration enforcement operations in agricultural regions intensified in 2025, creating documented labor shortages and legal vulnerability for workers without documented status.
César Chávez Day vs. Farmworkers Day: Key Differences
The date, paid holiday status, and school closure rules are the same. The name, individual focus, and curriculum framing are different.
Comparison: César Chávez Day vs. Farmworkers Day (California)
| Dimension | César Chávez Day | Farmworkers Day |
|---|---|---|
| Date | March 31 | March 31 |
| In effect since | 1994 (state proclamation); 2000 (paid holiday) | March 26, 2026 (AB 2156 signed) |
| Who it honors | César Chávez as an individual | The collective farmworker movement |
| Paid state employee holiday | Yes | Yes (unchanged) |
| School closure rules | Same as current | Same (unchanged) |
| Curriculum mandate | Required Chávez-specific instruction | Under revision; individual focus being reduced |
| UFW position | Named holiday aligned with founder | UFW distancing from Chávez’s name |
| Monuments/statues | Chávez statues displayed publicly | Multiple statues covered or removal in progress |
This is not a cancellation of the holiday. March 31 remains a paid state holiday for California government employees. The change is a legislative and symbolic reorientation: the movement replaces the individual as the subject of commemoration.
The César E. Chávez National Monument: What Happens Now?
Renaming the César E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, California, would require an act of Congress. The monument, located in Kern County, sits at the site of La Paz, the UFW’s former national headquarters, and contains Chávez’s grave.
Dennis Arguelles, director of the National Parks Conservation Association in Southern California, stated publicly that federal monument designations cannot be changed by state or local action — they require federal legislation. Arguelles argued that the site should continue to honor the farmworker movement broadly, regardless of any name change process.
The monument was designated by President Barack Obama under the Antiquities Act on October 8, 2012. The designation covers 116.56 acres. As of March 2026, no federal legislation to rename it had been introduced.
Dozens of public sites across the United States bear Chávez’s name, including streets, schools, parks, and plazas. Renaming each is governed separately by local ordinances, state statutes, or — in the case of federally designated sites — acts of Congress. The pace and scope of renaming vary by jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions About César Chávez Day / Farmworkers Day 2026
When is César Chávez Day in 2026?
Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The date is fixed to Chávez’s birth date and does not change. In California, the holiday is now officially called Farmworkers Day.
Is César Chávez Day still called César Chávez Day?
Not in California. As of March 26, 2026, California officially renamed the holiday Farmworkers Day under Assembly Bill 2156, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Colorado was actively considering a similar renaming. Texas announced non-observance. Other states and cities renamed individual observances independently. The federal name — to the extent one exists via presidential proclamation — has not been formally revised.
Why did California rename César Chávez Day to Farmworkers Day?
The renaming followed a New York Times investigation published on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which included allegations that Chávez sexually abused girls and women. Among those making allegations was Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the UFW. The California Senate voted 37–0 to pass AB 2156. The Assembly passed the bill with bipartisan support. Governor Newsom signed it on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Are banks closed on March 31, 2026?
Most national banks are open. Banks that follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule — including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — do not observe March 31 as a holiday. California state-chartered financial institutions may vary. Customers should confirm directly with their bank.
Do schools close on Farmworkers Day 2026?
Many California public schools and all 23 CSU campuses are closed on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The University of California system observes the holiday on Friday, March 27, 2026. Out-of-state districts vary. Houston ISD observed on Monday, March 30. Austin ISD observed March 31. Denver Public Schools observed March 31. Always verify with the specific district’s official calendar.
What does “Sí, Se Puede” mean, and who coined it?
“Sí, Se Puede” is a Spanish phrase meaning “Yes, we can.” Dolores Huerta coined it in 1972 during a voter registration campaign in Arizona. It became the UFW’s official rallying cry. The phrase was later adopted independently by other political movements in the United States, most prominently in 2008. Huerta, not Chávez, is the documented originator of the phrase.
Is the César E. Chávez National Monument being renamed?
As of March 2026, no. Renaming a federally designated national monument requires an act of Congress. No such legislation had been introduced as of late March 2026. The monument, located in Keene, California, covers 116.56 acres and contains Chávez’s grave at the former UFW headquarters site of La Paz.
What is the difference between César Chávez and Julio César Chávez?
These are two entirely different individuals. César Estrada Chávez (March 31, 1927 – April 23, 1993) was an American labor organizer and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers. Julio César Chávez is a Mexican professional boxer, born July 12, 1962, widely considered one of the greatest boxers of the 20th century. The holiday, the national monument, and the 2026 controversy are associated exclusively with the labor organizer.
Related Observances: What Falls Near March 31, 2026
| Date | Observance | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, March 27, 2026 | UC system Farmworkers Day observance | University of California campuses |
| Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | Farmworkers Day (California) | CA state employees, CSU campuses, many CA school districts |
| Friday, April 3, 2026 | Good Friday | Christian observance; school spring break in many districts |
| Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Easter | Widespread; spring recess anchor date in many districts |
| Thursday, April 10, 2026 | Dolores Huerta’s birthday | Proposed as a renamed holiday in Dallas, TX |
Spring Break timing in many school districts overlaps with March 31, 2026, meaning some districts that observe the holiday do so within a broader break period rather than as a standalone closure day.
