[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 67 (Monday, April 25, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING 75 YEARS OF CINE EL REY

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                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 25, 2022

  Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
the historic Cine El Rey, which has provided outstanding entertainment 
to South Texans for 75 years.
  Cine El Rey opened its doors in 1947 and is one of the longest-
running entertainment venues in the nation. Cine El Rey has hosted a 
variety of entertainment events over the last 75 years, ranging from 
film screenings and concerts to wrestling events, and propelled the 
careers of many South Texas artists.
  Established during segregation, Cine El Rey was the only place where 
Latinos could watch movies in McAllen, Texas. Today, it is a hallmark 
of Hispanic entertainment. Cine El Rey is the only privately-owned 
National Historic Landmark representative of Hispanic Culture in 
America.
  In 2020, like many entertainment venues across the country, Cine El 
Rey was forced to close its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Thankfully, with the support of our community and dedication of its 
owner, Burt Guerra, Cine El Rey has reopened and again offers the live 
entertainment it is so fondly known for.
  Madam Speaker, I stand here today to celebrate the 75 years that Cine 
El Rey has been open and entertaining our community, and I look forward 
to celebrating many more years.

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