Governor Polis Celebrates a Holiday Classic with Viral Video Release
DENVER - Today, Governor Polis celebrated the viral success of his video wishing Coloradans “Feliz Navidad” or “Merry Christmas”.
Governor Polis’s cover of the Christmas classic “Feliz Navidad” has “gone platinum” with over 2.8 million views at the time of this release.
Puerto Rican singer-songwriter José Feliciano first recorded “Feliz Navidad” in 1970, featuring a simple, heartfelt traditional Spanish Christmas/New Year greeting "Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad" ("Merry Christmas, a prosperous year and happiness"). Feliciano recorded the song in Los Angeles, inspired by his feelings for his family who were across the country in New York. “It was expressing the joy that I felt on Christmas and the fact that I felt very lonely," he told NPR in 2020. "I missed my family, I missed Christmas carols with them. I missed the whole Christmas scene.”
Governor Polis’s “platinum” recording was made at the State Capitol in Denver and features Colorado and American flags in the background, and his unique and fun dance. “I wanted to bring joy and the Christmas spirit to the people of Colorado and the world,” remarked Polis. “Feliz Navidad has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs. And while I might not have the same singing chops as the great José Feliciano, I try to make it up with enthusiasm. I hope my video helps inspire love and kindness, which are needed in the world now more than ever,” he continued.
Here’s what people are saying about the video:
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