Labor organizations, nonprofits and other groups will take to the streets of the West Side and downtown San Antonio for the 28th annual Cesar E. Chávez March for Justice on Saturday.
The theme for this year, “Let the Spirit Flourish and Grow,” is inspired by Chávez’s “Oración del campesino en la lucha,” or the “Prayer of the Farm Workers’ Struggle.”
The annual city-sponsored march honors Chávez on his birthday, March 31. He’s celebrated for being a Mexican American civil rights activist who fought for immigrant labor worker rights in the ’60s, a time when Mexican Americans and immigrants were exploited at farm jobs.
He established the National Farm Workers Association and advocated for fair contracts for farmworkers, including better wages and living conditions.
This year’s march will take place on the same route as in past years, starting at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and ending at Hemisfair’s Civic Park with music, food and special guests.
Road closures will start at 8 a.m. Guadalupe Street and Cesar Chávez Boulevard will close to drivers for the march.
Participants should prepare for warm, mid-70-degree weather and wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Pets are welcome.
The morning program kicks off at 9 a.m. Speakers — including Ernest Martinez, chair of the César E. Chávez Legacy and Educational Foundation, Mayor Ron Nirenberg, District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo, Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez — will rally the crowd waiting for the march to start at the intersection of Guadalupe and Brazos streets.
San Antonio native and Latin Grammy winner Joe Posada will sing the national anthem and Henry Rodriguez, co-founder of César E. Chávez March for Justice Committee, will read the farm workers prayer.
Groups will embark on the 2.4-mile walk at 10 a.m.
There will be water stations at the halfway point at Flores Street and Cesar Chávez Boulevard, and portable restrooms will be available at the start and end of the route.
The celebration at Civic Park will start at 11:15 a.m. and will continue until 1:30 p.m.
Free bus rides to the march will be available from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Alamodome in parking lots B and C. Rides back to the Alamodome will go until 2:30 p.m. The pick-up location for rides back to the arena will be located at the Institute of Texan Cultures near gate four. Taking the bus is encouraged, as parking will be limited.
