When was Selena Quintanilla’s funeral and what was it like?

• Selena’s funeral took place in 1995.
• What was it like?
• It was broadcast without her family’s consent.

A few days before turning 24 years old, singer Selena Quintanilla was killed by Yolanda Saldivar.

The singer, also known as the ‘Queen of Tejano Music,’ was at the peak of her artistic career when she was tragically murdered.

Today, songs like ‘Amor Prohibido,’ ‘El Chico del Apartamento 512,’ and ‘Bidi Bidi Bom Bom’ are still incredibly popular.

Many people also still wonder about Selena’s funeral.

Saying goodbye to Selena Quintanilla

Selena Quintanilla Pérez’s family organized an emotional ceremony to bid a final farewell to the singer.

This celebration was held at the Bayfront Auditorium, which was renamed the Selena Auditorium in her honor one year later, in 1996.

For obvious reasons, her parents, siblings, and her husband, Chris Pérez, were devastated by her tragic murder.

Fans of the young artist had the opportunity to say their goodbyes and offer their condolences to the family.

Selena’s funeral

According to Milenio, a mass was organized before Selena’s funeral took place.

The singer has been buried at Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi, Texas since April 3, 1995.

Undoubtedly, Selena’s mother, Marcella Samora, was the most affected by her death and she could not hold back her tears.

People who attended the ceremony held white roses, which they placed on the casket of the ‘Queen of Tex-Mex.’

Selena’s father chose to have an open casket

Unfortunately, the funeral was not without controversy. Selena’s father decided his famous daughter should have an open casket.

At the time, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. said he did this to dispel rumors that she was not really dead.

Later, he admitted that he regretted doing it, but it was too late.

He told Cristina Saralegui: «That same day, people were in line, passing by. Several ladies began to shout that it wasn’t true, that she wasn’t dead, that there was no body.»

Mirador a la Flor

According to El Universo, a monument called Mirador a la Flor was unveiled at Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi in 1997.

This monument pays tribute to the Grammy-award winning artist. She would undoubtedly have achieved much more if she had lived.

The monument is inscribed: «City of Corpus Christi. Monument to Selena. Dedicated on May 25, 1997. Selena Quintanilla Pérez. 1971 – 1995.»

«Selena was referred to as La Flor and identified with La Rosa Blanca. When you look at La Rosa Blanca, you feel her presence nearby.»

«Selena’s stage is now silent»

Finally the monument says: «Selena’s stage is now silent.»

«However, her presence enriched the lives of those she touched. And her music lives on.»

It’s worth noting that Selena’s burial was broadcast on a radio station in Corpus Christi and San Antonio without the family’s consent.

A minister of the Lake Jackson Jehovah’s Witnesses preached in English. To see the video of Selena’s funeral click HERE).