It’s about time, really.
Under a bill re-introduced by State Rep. Ana-Maria Ramos this past Thursday, “Selena Day” would be an official holiday in Texas on April 16. [Featured image: @hownottotravellikeabasicbitch]
The holiday would coincide with Selena’s birthday, April 16 – this year, the legendary Texas star would have turned 50. Selena was shot and killed by her fan club president, Yolanda Saldivar. She was only 23 when she died.
Today, the Tejano Queen is widely celebrated – particularly throughout the State of Texas. Murals of her likeness decorate walls in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Fiesta de la Flor – a two-day music festival in Corpus Christi is held in her name. In 2019, Dallas held 214Selena, a three-day festival dedicated to the iconic singer. She has nearly 5.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Netflix produced and released the first installment of a two-part Selena: The Series this past December. The second part of the series is slated to premier ahead of the star’s birthday, on May 14 this spring.
“April 16 is Selena Quintanilla Perez Day in memory of the contributions to Tejano music of Selena Quintanilla Pérez, an award-winning singer and recording artist,” per the bill. “Selena Quintanilla Peréz Day may be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
Selena Quintanilla Pérez was born in Lake Jackson, Texas in 1971. A decade later, the Quintanilla moved to Corpus Christi, where the singer spent the remainder of her childhood.
Selena Day would further honor the singer’s contributions to the world of Tejano music with ceremonies and annual celebrations in her name.