Not even an intense rainstorm could dampen the spirits of those gathered to celebrate the birthday of César Chávez and his Napa Valley legacy.

Stories of Chávez were recounted by a group of individuals, “oral historians,” who had firsthand experiences with the famed labor organizer.

St. Helena City Councilwoman Catarina Sanchez surprised the group estimated at 200 with the announcement that documents were recently discovered that placed St. Helena right at the heart of the early farmworker movement.

“The first labor contract for the United Farm Workers movement was actually drafted in the city of St. Helena. That contract is the one that César used as his model,” she said.

The day-long event, titled “Living the Legacy: Sí Se Puede,” took place Saturday at the Napa Valley College campus in St. Helena.

“Sí se puede” traditionally translates as, “It can be done.” This was Chávez’s personal motto, which came to be officially used by the farmworkers movement. The phrase is commonly translated nowadays as, “Yes, we can.”

The celebration began with a mile-long march from St. Helena Catholic Church to the Upvalley campus of Napa Valley College. Marchers braved the downpour with raincoats and umbrellas, brandishing photos of Chávez, vintage placards and UFW flags.

Prior to the oral history presentations, the Intercambio de Banderas, an official exchange of flags, took place in the college lobby.

Accompanied by enthusiastic applause and cries of “Viva St. Helena” and “Viva Mexico,” ceremonial flags of St. Helena and Mexico were exchanged between Mayor Del Britton and Mexican Consul General Carlos Félix.

“I present this unique Mexican flag, handcrafted by an official of the Secretary of the Navy of Mexico, as a symbol of the friendship of the Mexican government and the Mexican community to the government and people of St. Helena,” Félix said.

Britton thanked him and told the assembled group that the flag would soon be on display at City Hall.

Residents were pleased that Chávez’s stories continue to inspire so many people.

Napa Vice Mayor Mark van Gorder said, “Chávez was another American leader, like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, who helped address civil rights issues for people of Latino descent. He primarily helped workers who wanted to have a living wage, be able to get affordable housing, have health care benefits and live in the country without threat of being deported. He’s an inspiration to young and old people to not give up, to stay present and always fight for what’s right.”

St. Helena Planning Commission Chairman Alan Galbraith said, “Chávez was an inspired labor organizer who did great work for the farmworkers of California, which had wonderful ripple effects elsewhere in the country.”

In between the historical presentations and round-table discussions, the diverse group of attendees enjoyed musical performances, dances and an assortment of Mexican foods.