Cesar Chavez Day
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Building the Union. In 1962, Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with. Dolores Huertaand Gilbert Padilla. The organization merged with Larry Itliong's Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee in 1966 to form the United Farm Workers (UFW). The Delano grape strike, which began on September 8, 1965, became the movement's defining campaign. Filipino farmworkers under Itliong walked off the vineyards first; Chavez's predominantly Mexican membership joined a week later.The strike lasted five years. The UFW organized consumer boycotts that spread nationally, and Chavez undertook a 25-day hunger strike in 1968 that drew support from Senator Robert F. Kennedy. In July 1970, major grape growers signed collective bargaining agreements, delivering tangible improvements in wages and conditions for thousands of farmworkers
History
Building the Union. In 1962, Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with. Dolores Huertaand Gilbert Padilla. The organization merged with Larry Itliong's Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee in 1966 to form the United Farm Workers (UFW). The Delano grape strike, which began on September 8, 1965, became the movement's defining campaign. Filipino farmworkers under Itliong walked off the vineyards first; Chavez's predominantly Mexican membership joined a week later.The strike lasted five years. The UFW organized consumer boycotts that spread nationally, and Chavez undertook a 25-day hunger strike in 1968 that drew support from Senator Robert F. Kennedy. In July 1970, major grape growers signed collective bargaining agreements, delivering tangible improvements in wages and conditions for thousands of farmworkers
How It's Celebrated
Cesar Chavez Day is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.