Selena Gomez recently celebrated her 34th birthday in a memorable fashion while on holiday in Bologna, Italy. The actress and singer took to social media on Wednesday, July 22, to share her joy, which was coupled with a significant milestone for her mental health initiative, the Rare Impact Fund, as it marked its sixth anniversary.
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In an Instagram post, Gomez expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters, stating, “First, I have to thank each of you immensely for your support, kindness and all the bday wishes. Every single day I get to create because of all of you. Thank you for always making me the happiest girlie in the world.” The post featured striking images of Gomez blowing out a candle on a tiramisu dessert while standing on a balcony, showcasing a moment of personal celebration amid her work.
The Rare Impact Fund, a project Gomez set up to enhance access to youth mental health services globally, holds a special place in her heart. Reflecting on the occasion, she remarked, “Little me would never believe I’d get to celebrate my birthday alongside six years of the Rare Impact Fund. My heart is so full today.” She went on to acknowledge the collective efforts of the community supporting the initiative, saying, “Watching this community come together to support youth mental health has been the greatest gift, so thank YOU.”
Gomez’s birthday was also a time for her partner, Benny Blanco, to express his affection publicly, as he left a simple yet heartfelt comment on her birthday post, saying, “I love you.” This sentiment underscored the couple’s shared connection as they celebrated her special day together in Italy.
Earlier in the week, the couple had been spotted dining at the Trattoria della Santa restaurant, where they enjoyed a meal prior to Gomez’s birthday. Restaurant owner Riccardo Lelli posted a photo of the pair on Instagram alongside a caption expressing gratitude for their visit. For this outing, Gomez donned a fashionable satin slip dress paired with a vibrant printed bandana and sunglasses. Blanco complemented her style in a casual T-shirt and shorts, showcasing their relaxed holiday vibe.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Lelli shared more about the couple’s dining experience. He revealed that Blanco had originally booked a private table, however, upon arrival, they opted to sit outside under the beautiful Portici di Bologna arches instead. This choice allowed them to enjoy the pleasant weather and the charming atmosphere of the city centre. Lelli described the pair as “amazing,” praising their politeness and compliments regarding the food and service.
Blanco and Gomez’s Italian getaway appears to be a cherished moment for them, especially as it follows a unique journey Blanco undertook to reunite with his wife. In a TikTok video, he shared that he “traveled across the Atlantic” by boat to see her, citing a fear of flying as his reason for the long voyage. Accompanied by the soulful sounds of Sam Cooke’s “Nothing Can Change This Love,” the video encapsulated the lengths one might go for love.
As Gomez continues her professional engagements—recently filming the third season of “Only Murders in the Building” in London—this birthday celebration provided a refreshing respite and a chance to reflect on both personal and professional achievements. The Rare Impact Fund, having begun before her beauty line, Rare Beauty, highlights Gomez’s commitment to advocating for mental health awareness among young people and has been a significant component of her philanthropic efforts.
In conclusion, Selena Gomez’s 34th birthday was not only a celebration of another year but also a reaffirmation of her dedication to mental health advocacy through the Rare Impact Fund. With the love and support of her partner and fans, Gomez’s milestone serves as a reminder of the positive impact one individual can have on many lives.