Phoenix Permanently Renames César Chávez Holiday Farmworkers Day

The Phoenix City Council took final action September 9, 2026, to permanently designate the city’s spring holiday as Farmworkers Day, replacing the former César Chávez Day name.

The citywide decision followed an earlier temporary change and means future Phoenix holiday references will use Farmworkers Day. The city is also continuing separate work involving public places that carry Chávez’s name.

What the council approved

City legislation File 26-1956 is titled “Permanently Designate the Spring Holiday as Farmworkers Day – Citywide.” The official record lists the item as passed, with the City Council formal meeting and final action both dated September 9, 2026.

The legislation directs the city manager to work with employee unions on recognizing the holiday on a Monday close to April 6. Phoenix has not announced a fixed date for the next observance, so residents and city workers should wait for an official calendar or employee notice.

Why Phoenix changed the name

The City of Phoenix said the new name is intended to recognize farmworkers collectively and honor their labor, dignity, fair wages, safe working conditions and basic rights.

In its September 10 announcement, the city said the decision followed allegations of sexual abuse against César Chávez. Those allegations are included here as described by the city and are not presented as independently adjudicated findings.

The city said the farmworker movement’s progress resulted from the organizing and collective action of many workers, rather than one individual alone. Mayor Kate Gallego, Councilwoman Laura Pastor and Councilwoman Betty Guardado had requested that the temporary Farmworkers Day designation become permanent.

Part of a broader Phoenix review

The holiday decision is part of a wider Phoenix effort involving streets, municipal buildings and parks that carry the Chávez name. The city says it is taking action on those locations, but the holiday legislation does not by itself establish that every related name change has already been completed.

Residents should look for separate city notices and naming decisions as that work proceeds.

What residents and workers should watch for

The immediate policy change is the permanent citywide name: Phoenix’s spring holiday is now Farmworkers Day. Future city calendars, public notices and employee communications should use that designation.

The next observance date remains subject to coordination with city employee unions. Until Phoenix publishes an official calendar or related labor notice, no specific 2027 date should be assumed.

Sources

• City of Phoenix Legislation Details, File 26-1956
• City of Phoenix Mayor and Council Release
• KJZZ, Phoenix council votes to change the name of the Cesar Chavez city holiday to Farmworkers Day