Downtown El Paso celebrates Selena’s legacy with music, food, and fun
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- In Downtown El Paso, the Downtown Management District honors the legacy of Latina Pop and Tejano music artist Selena at the Second Annual Selena & Salsa.
The event happened from Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Union Plaza, the free, family-friendly event will brought together music, culture, shopping, and bold flavors for one of Downtown’s most vibrant community celebrations.
According to Marketing and Communication Manager for the El Paso Downtown Management District Ivan Bernal, it was an obvious choice.
"It made sense to do Selena because the lasting impact that she's had and continues to have on future and past generations," Bernal said. "She's just an icon here in our city."
Inspired by the legacy of Selena, Selena & Salsa featured 40+ market and food vendors, live entertainment by Jezzika Sax, a Selena look-alike contest, and a salsa tasting competition where attendees sampled and help crown the best salsa in the city.
There was a look-alike contest for adults and one for children, complete with full costumes as they mimicked Selena's dance moves for specific songs with a prize given to the best performing child and adult.
For Celeste Sarabia, one of the adult look-alike contestants, she said this event was like a dream come true because of her lifelong fandom.
"I love her and I love what she's all about and if I can just, I don't know, put that into my personality a little bit I'm all for it." Sarabia said.
Sarabia said what drew her to the artist was just how down to earth she was, and how the singer didn't act like a typical celebrity.
"She genuinely loved people and making connections with people," Sarabia said. "She didn't really care about the money and she was incredibly grateful for all her fans. I just love that about her because she was a real person."
Sarabia said she was one of the fans who enjoyed their time at the event.
"I'm so happy that I came. I'm so happy that this is happening." Sarabia said.
The Downtown Management District is once again partnering with La Nube STEAM Discovery Center and the Mexican American Cultural Center to help bring the celebration to life.
Saturday's events are a continuation as apart of a even earlier celebration with the MACC Selena & Salsa Pre-Party on Friday, May 29, which gave the community another opportunity to celebrate Selena’s music and cultural impact ahead of Saturday’s main event in Union Plaza.
To learn more about future Downtown Management District events, you can visit their website here.
