Remembering La Reina: 5 Ways To Celebrate Selena’s Birthday in Austin

The Queen of Tejano music, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, was shot dead March 31, 1995. Shortly afterward, George W. Bush, who was the Governor of Texas at the time, signed a proclamation designating the singer’s birthday, April 16, as Selena Day.

For many Latinas, especially Mexican-Americans, Selena has become an empowering figure and her life continues to impact the entire Latinx community. 

This past year, Selena’s life has been celebrated in multiple ways; from Selena’s Google Doodle to Selena’s Hollywood Star of Fame. Selena would have turned 47 today, and here are five ways you can celebrate the life and legacy of la reina.

 

1. La Reina’s Birthday Bash at Gabriela’s Downtown

 

Gabriela’s will be throwing a birthday bash to celebrate Selena. DJ Girlfriend ATX will be spinning all of your favorite hits by Selena and will be playing the Selena movie on a projector. If you wear your favorite Selena inspired outfit and makeup, there is a chance of winning a $75 gift certificate to Gabriela’s. The event is free to enter and all ages are welcome.

 

2. Watching the Selena Movie with your friends *don’t forget your tissues*

You can’t celebrate Selena Day without watching “Selena.” The movie is powered by terrific performances from Jennifer Lopez as Selena and Edward James Olmos as Abraham Quintanilla. “Selena” is an engaging musical biography that will move you, make you laugh and bring you to tears. The cheapest way to watch this movie is by streaming it online, both YouTube and Amazon stream the movie for $2.99. You can also find the movie for sale on Amazon.

 

3. BLASTING the This is: Selena Spotify Playlist

Let her voice and legacy live on by blasting this playlist all day. Have a solo-dance party or have a dance party with a group of friends. There is no wrong way to listen to Selena, and this option is free.

 

4. Watch the movie on the big screen with “Selena” showings at Alamo Drafthouse

The Alamo Drafthouse will remember Selena with a special screening of the the 1997 film “Selena,” starring Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos. The Alamo Drafthouse will be providing themed props to use during the film, including a lyric sheet to sing along. There will also be a custom pre-show completely dedicated to Selena’s music videos and rare, hard-to-find interviews. The only location with tickets still available as of April 14 is the Muller location, with a 10:15 p.m. showing and tickets at $10.83.

 

5. Selena-themed painting class

Painting with a Twist will be honoring the Queen of Tejano Music in this one of kind painting class from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. They will be playing a variety of Tejano music, along with offering some fun games and door prizes. The Painters  location is in South Austin located on the corner of Highway 290 West and William Cannon Drive in the Oak Hill Center. Tickets for a seat are $35.