A Fiesta Fit for la Reina

It's finally happening: a festival grand enough to truly honor the memory and legacy of beloved Texan superstar Selena. Yesterday, the City of Corpus Christi announced the debut of what's to be an annual event: Fiesta de la Flor: A Celebration of the Life & Legacy of Selena.

The inaugural fest honoring the life of “The Queen of Tejano,” "La Reina de Tex-Mex," is scheduled for this April 17-18 in the city's downtown North Bayfront Park and will feature a glitterati of artists, including Grammy winners Los Lobos, Los Palominos, Little Joe Y La Familia, and Grammy-winning members of Selena Quintanilla's family: lead guitarist (and widower) Chris Perez and brother, songwriter/producer A.B. Quintanilla with his band, A.B. & Los Kumbia Kings. The who's who of Tejas talent slated to play also includes Steven James & the Jaded, Las Feniz, Clarissa Serna (The Voice competitor and CC homegrrrl), Nina Diaz (Girl in a Coma and solo torch diva), Stefanie Montiel, and Jay Perez & Band.

In a press release issued yesterday, Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau CEO Paulette Kluge stated, "Our team wanted to honor this beautiful, talented woman for the hearts that she has touched and the substantial contributions that she has made to the culture of our city," adding that the Quintanilla family is closely involved in the planning and shaping of the celebration and have endorsed it fully. Kluge confirmed the city's commitment to the festival as an annual signature event for Corpus Christi, "[We are] looking forward to offering this fabulous event for many years to come!"

The city is keeping the price points reasonable ($5 for adults, $2 for kids 5-12, and free for little ones under 5), clearly making way for everyone to come and honor the queen. The two-day Fiesta happens along CC's lovely bayfront – close by for side trips to the Selena Museum and for selfies, group pics, and long-stemmed white rose offerings at Mirador de la Flor, aka the "Selena statue". Admission includes the full line-ups of acts, access to food trucks, Texas artisan vendors, an Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow screening of the 1997 fan classic Selena starring Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos, a kids zone, fireworks, and more.

Check for updates on the festival's Facebook page.

It's been 20 years since Preciosa was senselessly taken, and the festival dates are significant: Selena would have celebrated birthday 44 on April 16. So, what do you say, Austin? Who's up for a road trip?

Anything for Selenas!