Itinerary: Cesar Chavez Day

Cesar Chavez was described by Robert Kennedy as “one of the heroic figures of our time.” He fought for fair wages, improved education, equal rights and social justice for the Latino community. Chavez was born on March 31, 1927, in Yuma, Ariz., The son of generations of farm workers, he began working the fields at age 10. He ultimately became the voice of the United Farm Workers.

You can celebrate Chavez’s birthday this weekend by visiting exhibits and landmarks that mark his accomplishments and celebrate the Latino culture and pride he perpetuated.

Friday

Start with a trip to the Latino Museum of History, Art and Culture (112 S. Main St., Los Angeles. [213] 626-7600), where you can learn more about Chavez through an exhibit that opened Wednesday. “An American Leader--Cesar Chavez” offers a glimpse of the man who organized nationwide boycotts of grapes, wine and lettuce to pressure California growers to sign contracts with the UFW. Photos show Chavez with political leaders, farm workers and speaking to the public. The exhibit also features essays by professors and scholars who explain the role Chavez--called the Martin Luther King of the Latino community--played in American history. Ends Aug. 18.

Saturday

Walk in the footsteps of the United Farm Workers and other Latino leaders and activists with a visit to Belvedere Park (4914 Cesar Chavez Ave., East L.A.), a key site in the Chicano movement. On Aug. 29, 1970, more than 30,000 people converged on the park and marched across town to then-Laguna Park to oppose the Vietnam War, social inequality at home and the high-casualty rate among Latino soldiers. Several people wound up dead during the Chicano Moratorium, as the march is known, including Ruben Salazar, a Los Angeles Times reporter who covered the Latino community extensively. Laguna Park has since been renamed Salazar Park (3864 Whittier Blvd., East L.A.).

Learn more about L.A.’s growing Latino community with a visit to the Natural History Museum (900 Exposition Blvd. [213] 763-3466). “El Nuevo Mundo: The Landscape of Latino Los Angeles” features more than 100 photographs by Camilo Jose Vergara documenting the city’s transformation over the years including pictures of neighborhoods that were once predominately African American and are now Latino, how Latinos build and decorate their homes and how they interact at work. Art activities and community art tours will also be conducted as part of the exhibit, which is presented in English and Spanish. Ends July 16.

Sunday

Visit the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach. [562] 437-1689), the only museum in the Western United States dedicated exclusively to contemporary Latin American works. On display through April you can see “Szyszlo: In His Labyrinth.” Fernando de Szyszlo is one of the most noted Peruvian artists of the last century and his show includes almost 40 paintings and one sculpture from 1977 to present. Ends April 30.

Wrap up your weekend with Mexican flavors at the newly reopened La Serenata de Garibaldi (1842 E. 1st St., Boyle Heights. [323] 265-2887). Closed for remodeling for two years, the popular eatery is back in business serving up its famous huevos rancheros, fish enchiladas and camarones.