Nationwide calls for comprehensive immigration reform echoed Saturday across Alamo Plaza as the 17th annual César Chávez March For Justice wrapped up there with speeches, music and dancing.

“We’re all fighting to ensure there is going to be a favorable vote taken in Congress this year and that President Obama has the opportunity to sign a new bill granting legal status to farm workers,” said United Farm Workers union President Arturo S. Rodriguez, the event’s grand marshal.

He praised the 2011 renaming of Durango Boulevard in honor of Chávez, who led a historic nonviolent movement for farm worker rights until his death 20 years ago, and called it fitting that marchers traversed part of César Chávez Boulevard.

The slow-moving procession of about 500 included participants carrying flags and signs, babies in strollers and dogs on leashes, kids pedaling bikes and in wagons, as well as low-riders, antique cars and even a military-style jeep with a mounted gun.

It was led by Americans Indians whose ancestors settled centuries ago in what is now Bexar County.

“We do this from our hearts,” said Ray Rios, 50, who wore a feathered headdress atop his ornate costume. He called Chávez, who would have turned 86 Saturday, “a great humanitarian.”

Marcher Victor San Miguel, 68, said it’s critical to teach youngsters about figures like Chávez, a civil rights activist and labor leader who, with Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the farm workers union.

“We have to remember who our heroes are and what they have done. A tree without roots is going to fall,” said San Miguel, a member of the Brown Berets, a Chicano political group.

Among those hopeful about immigration reform was U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, one of several politicians making the walk.

“The moment is now,” he said, citing potential bipartisan backing for such legislation. “It’s essential that we get a pathway to citizenship that doesn’t impose unreasonable burdens on those striving to be citizens.”

The Associated Press reported Saturday that an agreement on a guest worker program for low-skilled immigrants had been reached, clearing the path for broad immigration legislation when Congress returns from its two-week recess in mid-April.

Marcher Rickie Rodriguez, 32, downplayed the chances of any bill providing “instant gratification” for undocumented immigrants.

“Everything is shifting little by little,” said the San Antonio resident. “I’m optimistic, but it’s a long road, and we’re at the beginning.”

Stephen Melin, 27, shared the sentiment while visiting the Alamo amid amplified calls for reform.

“They should get it, but it’s not going to happen for a while. Years,” he predicted.

Although turnout was smaller than in recent years, the event drew participants from far off cities and states, including Friar Mark Schroeder of the California group Franciscans for Justice.

“We must overcome racism with love and compassion,” said Schroeder, who’s optimistic about the chance of major reform. “Next year we’ll be here celebrating the immigration reform that’s going to help a lot of people live a better life.”

To doubters, marchers repeatedly invoked a call made famous by Chávez, “Sí se puede” or “Yes we can.”