California Celebrates Farmworkers Day, Dropping Cesar Chavez Name

Governor Newsom and LA Mayor Bass lead renaming of holiday to honor agricultural workers

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:53pm

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California is celebrating the first Farmworkers Day holiday on Tuesday, replacing the previous Cesar Chavez Day after recent sexual assault allegations against the late labor leader. Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have officially renamed the holiday to recognize the essential contributions of the state's agricultural workers.

Why it matters

The renaming of the holiday reflects a broader reckoning with Cesar Chavez's legacy following the allegations, as many landmarks and events bearing his name have been removed or renamed across California and the country. This shift represents an effort to honor farmworkers' vital role in the state's economy and culture, while distancing the holiday from the controversial figure of Chavez.

The details

Governor Newsom's proclamation highlighted that California is home to over one-third of all farmworkers in the United States, producing one-third of the nation's vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts. Mayor Bass said the renaming is 'fundamental' and about 'honoring the men and women and children who toil every day in our fields.' Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat also voiced support for the new Farmworkers Day holiday.

  • Farmworkers Day was celebrated for the first time on March 31, 2026.
  • Last week, Governor Newsom signed a bill officially changing the name of the holiday from Cesar Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who proclaimed March 31, 2026 as Farmworkers Day and signed a bill to officially rename the holiday.

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles who announced an official renaming of the holiday after allegations against Cesar Chavez came to light.

Adriano Espaillat

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair who voiced support for the new Farmworkers Day holiday.

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What they’re saying

“This state is home to over one-third of all farmworkers in the United States – and they feed the nation: as the largest agricultural state, California produces one-third of the nation's vegetables, and nearly two-thirds of its fruits and nuts. We are the fourth largest economy in the world because farmworkers make it possible.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

“This is not a celebration. This is a change that is fundamental. Moving forward, this is about honoring the men and women and children who toil every day in our fields and we will honor them.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles

“Each year on this date, we will observe Farmworkers Day, recognizing the essential women and men who feed our nation. We express our deep gratitude for their labor and stand committed to improving their working conditions, protecting their rights, and ensuring they are treated with the dignity they deserve.”

— Adriano Espaillat, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair

What’s next

The renaming of Cesar Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day is expected to be observed annually going forward, with government officials and community leaders continuing to highlight the vital contributions of agricultural workers in California and across the country.

The takeaway

The shift from Cesar Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day represents an important reckoning with the labor leader's legacy in light of recent allegations, while also elevating the essential role of farmworkers in California's economy and culture. This change signals a broader effort to honor the state's agricultural workforce and ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.