5 things you didn’t know about Celia Cruz’s Barbie

• The News Fans Awaited: Celia Cruz’s Barbie
• Marking 20 Years Since
• Her Passing Inspiring Barbies

The much-anticipated Barbie doll modeled after the «queen of salsa» Celia Cruz was released for sale on Tuesday, September 12th.

It was a moment fans of the singer had been waiting for two years, ever since Mattel announced the news and unveiled the doll’s picture in 2021.

This release serves as a ‘starter’ to the Hispanic Heritage Month 2023, celebrated from September 15 to October 15.

It is released as part of the Barbie Inspiring Women Series. Here we present 5 things you didn’t know about Celia Cruz’s Barbie.

1. It’s a tribute to heroines of her time

The Barbie’s Inspiring Women Series «pays tribute to incredible heroines of their time,» according to Mattel.

It’s about honoring «courageous women who took risks, changed rules, and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before,» Mattel stated.

This new Barbie, priced at $35, features a young Celia in a fitted red Cuban rumba dress, made of lace material that flares at the bottom and sleeves.

The Barbie sports a blonde wig tied in a high bun, a necklace, long earrings, and her signature gold shoes.

2. Commemorates 20 years since the death of Celia Cruz

The Celia Cruz’s Barbie comes to life marking 20 years since the passing of the «Guarachera of Cuba» on July 16, 2003.

On that day, Celia lost her battle to cancer, after a career spanning six decades during which she recorded 75 albums.

The eternal «queen of salsa», who globalized the music with the Fania All-Stars, received countless accolades.

Among these were multiple platinum and gold records, three Grammy awards, four Latin Grammy awards, the Presidential Medal of the Arts, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

3. A Barbie to celebrate sugar!!!

Plus, the unwavering affection of her loyal audience, who danced to the rhythm of her powerful voice and will never forget her battle cry: «¡Azúcar!».

Mattel highlighted in a statement that Celia Cruz was a «dazzling performer of many Afro-Caribbean music genres.»

«She had an energetic stage presence and a unique style that endeared her to fans of various nationalities and generations.»

«One of the few women to succeed in the male-dominated world of salsa. For over half a century, the ‘queen of salsa’ wore her title with grace and distinction,» the company added.

4. It will cost 35 dollars

«Her boundless enthusiasm, genuine warmth, and deeply rooted humanitarianism made her the most successful and revered performer in the music industry.»

In addition to becoming «the most prominent ambassador of Hispanic culture worldwide,» Mattel emphasized. Celia Cruz’s Barbie will sell for $35.

Mattel’s collection of inspiring women Barbies already includes dolls of other personalities.

Among them are Chinese movie actress Anna May Wong; the first Black and Native American female aviator, Bessie “Queen Bess” Coleman.

5. Even Frida Kahlo Barbies

There are also Barbies of poet Maya Angelou; former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt; singer Ella Fitzgerald; Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, and others.

Cruz will also be remembered on a 25-cent coin set to circulate next year, which will feature her image and the word ¡Azúcar!

The Cuban singer was previously immortalized in a U.S. postage stamp collection.

This series, titled «Forever Stamps», alongside Selena, Carmen Miranda, Tito Puente, and Carlos Gardel, was released in 2011.