San Antonio was alive with celebration this week as fans gathered to honor the life and legacy of Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla, who would have turned 54 on April 16, 2025. The Pearl, a popular venue in the city, hosted a vibrant Bidi Bidi Party on April 15, a prelude to the official Selena Day festivities. The event featured a lively atmosphere filled with Selena's music, tribute dancers, and local vendors, creating a festive environment for attendees to celebrate the beloved singer.
Attendees expressed their admiration for Selena, with one fan reminiscing, “When it comes to Tejano music, I used to DJ back in the day, I used to play a lot of her music. Selena is the queen of Tejano, and she always will be. Her music, her life, will never die. So, happy birthday!” The sentiment echoed throughout the evening, as fans shared stories and memories of how Selena's music impacted their lives.
The following day, on April 16, politicians gathered at the Texas Capitol to commemorate Selena’s birthday with a House resolution honoring her contributions to music and culture. Dallas state Rep. Jessica González led the resolution, sharing a heartfelt story about meeting Selena at a concert in Mexico when she was just 12 years old. “She gave me a big hug,” González recalled, emphasizing Selena's humility and her role as a representative of the Mexican-American community. “Without ever even being aware of it, Selena perfectly represented her people, her community, and what it meant to be a Mexican-American to the United States and the world,” she added.
State Rep. Christina Morales, D-Houston, also spoke passionately about Selena, calling her a “beacon of hope.” Morales highlighted how Selena embraced her dual identity, stating, “She embraced her identity even when the world told her she had to choose between being an American and being a Mexican. Selena chose to be both, and in doing so, she taught an entire generation of young Latinas to be proud of who they are.” Since 1995, Selena Day has been commemorated in Texas on her birthday, serving as a reminder of her lasting influence.
Across Texas, fans celebrated Selena Quintanilla Day on April 16, 2025, by visiting memorials in cities like Corpus Christi and El Paso. The Selena Memorial-Mirador De La Flor in Corpus Christi, unveiled in 1997, features a life-sized bronze statue of Selena, sculpted by H.W. "Buddy" Tatum. The statue depicts Selena in a leather jacket, microphone in hand, capturing her essence as a performer.
In El Paso, a vibrant mural painted by artist Tino Ortega outside of Old Sheepdog Brewery also pays tribute to Selena. The mural, which features her profile alongside a large red rose and the title of her famous song "Como La Flor," is a testament to her enduring legacy. Fans flocked to these locations, celebrating by listening to her music, watching documentaries, and sharing stories of their beloved idol.
Selena's life, though tragically cut short at the age of 23, continues to resonate with fans and artists alike. She was fatally shot on March 31, 1995, by Yolanda Saldívar, the president of her fan club, a loss that still weighs heavily on her fans. This year marks 30 years since her untimely death, and her family expressed relief when Saldívar was denied parole on March 27, 2025. The Quintanilla family shared their gratitude for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles' decision, emphasizing their ongoing struggle to keep Selena's memory alive.
In a special tribute, pop star Becky G hosted an event titled "Anything for Selenas" on SiriusXM's Hits Uno, reflecting on Selena's legacy and cultural impact. The show celebrated Selena's music and explored how her influence continues to shape Latino identity. Becky G's heartfelt homage added another layer to the celebrations, reminding fans of the profound impact Selena had on the music industry and the Latinx community.
As fans and politicians alike gathered to celebrate Selena Quintanilla, the atmosphere was charged with love and nostalgia. The events held in her honor serve as a reminder of her contributions to music and culture, as well as the pride she instilled in her community. From lively parties to heartfelt resolutions, the celebrations of Selena's birthday were a testament to her lasting legacy and the indelible mark she left on the world.
In a world that often challenges identities and cultural representations, Selena stands as a symbol of strength and resilience. Her music transcends generations, and her story continues to inspire countless individuals to embrace their heritage and identity. As fans reflect on her life and legacy, they are reminded that Selena Quintanilla is not just a memory but a living legacy that continues to thrive in the hearts of many.
