Veterans Memorial Park will be the site of an Independence Day celebration Sunday afternoon as locals prepare the annual celebration of Mexican Independence Day. For Mexican natives living in Napa, as well as those living abroad, the day is akin to the Fourth of July.

It’s a time when Mexican people reflect on the struggle to gain independence from Spanish rule. This year’s event marks the second time the community group Latinos Unidos del Valle de Napa has hosted the festival.

“It’s a cultural festival here in Napa so that everyone can celebrate,” said event organizer Hector Olvera.

This year, the group will celebrate Mexican Independence Day two days in advance of the official holiday, which spans Sept. 15 and 16. Olvera said Latinos Unidos decided to hold the celebration on the weekend so as many people as possible could attend the festivities.

As legend has it in Mexico, the path to freedom began with Father Miguel Hidalgo’s cry for independence.

On Sept. 15, 1810, Hidalgo climbed the top of a church and rang the bell in the village of Dolores, located in Guanajuato, Mexico. He called to his countrymen to stand up against Spain and yelled “Viva Mexico,” in what became a rally cry known as El Grito.

By the time he came down from the church, it was the following morning, Sept. 16, and the country was preparing to launch a campaign against Spain that would eventually lead to its liberation.

While the day is celebrated widely across Mexico, Olvera said that the Napa event is for anyone who wants to take part in a cultural celebration and learn a little about Mexican history.

“We love this country and we celebrate the Fourth of July,” Olvera said. “But we are also Mexican-American and we also have to celebrate (Mexican Independence Day).”

Festivities at Veterans Memorial Park are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Scheduled to appear are Rene Infante with Lorenzo Sandoval Mariachi Tarasco, Napa Valley College Ballet Folklorico dance troupe, Banda Los Nuevos del Pacifico and Renovato. Entertainment for the children will be available as well as Mexican food and free medical exams.

In addition, Grupo Jesed, a St. John the Baptist Catholic Church youth group, will crown a festival queen during the event.

A separate celebration of Mexican Independence Day takes place the following weekend at the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville. On Sept. 19 from 12-5 p.m., the museum will host a festival featuring Napa Valley College Ballet Folklorico, DeHaro Charros, Ohtli Yoliliztli Aztec Dancers, the Mexican singing trio Owls of Jalisco and traditional Mexican food and music. For more information, visit www.napavalleymuseum.org/events.html.