The City of Los Angeles and the state of California have made March 31, the birthday of Cesar E. Chavez, a holiday. Cesar E. Chavez was a beloved leader of farm workers, who helped unite them together in the United Farm Workers of America union with the famous cry of "Si Se Puede!"
Secure a hotel in central Los Angeles if you are arriving from out of town, and expect that you will need to hire a car to get around the sprawling urban metropolis. Downtown accommodations will place you perfectly to celebrate Cesar E. Chavez Day in a variety of ways.
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Know that thousands of socially conscious people in Los Angeles participate in the annual Cesar E. Chavez Day Parade down historic Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. Usually beginning early in the morning, the parade frequently attracts top music acts and well-known celebrities in addition to those there to raise awareness for social justice.
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Anticipate that other cultural events associated with Cesar E. Chavez Day will be held throughout the city, usually commencing the weekend before March 31 if the actual holiday does not fall on a weekend that year. Plan to include more than the parade in your itinerary.
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Check with the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park near the University of Southern California campus for events associated with Cesar E. Chavez Day. The museum frequently holds a life retrospective and commemorative photo gallery to celebrate the farm worker union leader's contribution to social justice.
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Understand that an ever-growing schedule of events held to celebrate Cesar E. Chavez Day offers a wide range of activities throughout the city. Everything from softball tournaments and story circles to commemorative Catholic masses and black-tie dinner fundraisers can be found. Your best bet is to check with the City of Los Angeles for an official schedule of registered events open to the public (see Resources below).
Tips & Warnings
Sign a petition if one is offered. There is a wide movement aiming to have Cesar E. Chavez Day declared a national holiday within the United States, and you may be asked to show your support for such a motion.
Exercise good judgment in downtown Los Angeles. Some areas of the central core can be inhospitable at night, especially for people who are unfamiliar with the city.
