César Chávez Day is Monday, honoring the

late Mexican American civil rights activist

who dedicated his life to advocating for farmworkers’ rights, fair wages, and better working conditions.

When is Cesar Chávez Day 2025?

The holiday is a federal commemorative holiday that former President Barack Obama proclaimed in 2014 to be observed annually on March 31, which falls on the birthday of the late Chávez, who died in April 1993.

Who is Cesar Chávez? Why the holiday is celebrated

Chávez was a civil rights leader and labor activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers to advocate for better wages and working conditions for farm laborers. He played a key role in organizing nonviolent protests, strikes and boycotts to improve the rights of agricultural workers, particularly in California and other farming regions.

Before former President Obama proclaimed César Chávez Day a federal commemorative holiday in 2014, the NAACP and other advocacy groups urged him to designate it as a paid federal holiday. They cited Obama’s past support for the effort, including a statement he made before issuing the proclamation.

“Chavez left a legacy as an educator, environmentalist, and a civil rights leader. And his cause lives on as farm workers and laborers across America continue to struggle for fair treatment and fair wages,” Obama said at the time. “We find strength in what Cesar Chavez accomplished so many years ago. And we should honor him for what he’s taught us about making America a stronger, more just and more prosperous nation. That’s why I support the call to make Cesar Chavez’s birthday a national holiday. It’s time to recognize the contributions of this American icon to the ongoing efforts to perfect our union.”

However, it was not designated a paid federal holiday.

Are banks, USPS and schools open on Cesar Chavez Day?

Although César Chávez Day is a federal commemorative holiday, it is not one of the

11 federally recognized holidays that require government offices to close

. As a result, banks, the U.S. Postal Service, and most federal offices remain open.

However, some state and local offices in California and Arizona may close in observance of the holiday, due to Chávez’s strong ties to both states.

What are the federal holidays in 2025?

There are typically only 11 federal holidays when federal offices and agencies close, but this year included Inauguration Day.

While federal law does not require private companies to observe any federal holidays, many businesses and schools choose to offer time off or holiday pay throughout the year for these observances. César Chávez Day is not generally included.

Inauguration Day, which took place on Jan. 20, is not part of the regular 11 federal holidays, but because it aligned with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, most American workers had the day off.

Here’s a list of the federal holidays in 2025:

• Jan. 1, 2025
•  – New Year’s Day
• Jan. 20, 2025
•  – Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
• Jan. 20, 2025
•  – Inauguration Day
• Feb. 17, 2025
•  – Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)
• May 26, 2025
•  – Memorial Day
• June 19, 2025
•  – Juneteenth National Independence Day
• July 4, 2025
•  – Independence Day
• Sept. 1, 2025
•  – Labor Day
• Oct. 13, 2025
•  – Indigenous People’s Day
• Nov. 11, 2025 – Veterans Day
• Nov. 27, 2025 – Thanksgiving Day
• Dec. 25, 2025 – Christmas Day