The Cult of Selena and the Fiesta de la Flor Festival

[Guest Nicole]

The Tejano artist’s distinctive style and sound continues to have a huge influence on her community 22 years after her death.

arrive to Fiesta de la Flor, the Selena tribute festival, right before the Tejano artist and Corpus Christi native Megan Chapa takes the stage. Chapa wears a pink and purple sequined onesie, flesh-colored fishnets, and the silver rhinestone heels of a diva. Her voice has deep emotional range, and she calls out, “This one is dedicated to the angel of Tejana,” before she begins a Selena cover.

For Selena fans everywhere, the late artist is not only an angel; she has been canonized like a saint. Selena’s image, meaning, and significance to Latinas is of the highest importance. She appears on murals, statues, and on paintings throughout South Texas, Los Angeles, and even crosses the border to Mexico. Her significance to Latina identity is that of a literal icon.

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