The City of Houston recognized Fito Olivares’ cultural and musical impact with an official proclamation and a tribute to his family.
HOUSTON — The City of Houston is honoring the late Fito Olivares with an official proclamation recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to cumbia and Tejano music.
Council Member Joaquin Martinez, along with city officials, led the posthumous tribute Tuesday inside the Council Chambers at City Hall. The proclamation celebrates Olivares’ decades-long career and the enduring influence of his music, which continues to energize dance floors across generations. The city designated April 15, 2025, as Rodolfo “Fito” Olivares Day.
Olivares, who died in 2023, rose to international fame with unforgettable hits like “Juana la Cubana” and “El Colesterol.” With his band and signature saxophone-driven sound, he helped shape the soundscape of Latin music while becoming a cultural staple at weddings, quinceañeras, and community celebrations around the world.
“Fito Olivares’ music didn’t just make us dance—it brought people together,” Martinez said. “His legacy lives on in every note, every beat, and every memory created on the dance floor.”
In addition to the city’s proclamation, the Texas Music Office honored Olivares’ family with a state recognition. A flag flew over the Texas State Capitol in his memory—a symbolic tribute to his lasting impact across the state and beyond.
Olivares’ fans, friends, and fellow musicians continue to celebrate his influence—not only as a performer, but as a pioneer in Latin music whose work transcends borders and generations.