Hundreds of people gathered this Saturday at the Summer Stage in Central Park, New York, to celebrate the centenary of Celia Cruz (1925-2003) with a concert that made it clear that the voice and image of the "queen of salsa" remain alive, even though her legacy is officially ignored in Cuba.
The show “Celia vive,” directed by the tres player Nelson González, brought together Cuban artists such as Isaac Delgado, Brenda Navarrete, Alain Pérez, Aymée Nuviola, and Lena Burke, who performed some of their most iconic hits.
The event also paid tribute to the pianist and composer Eddie Palmieri (1936-2025), who passed away on August 6, as highlighted in a report by the agency EFE.
Brenda Navarrete opened the evening with songs of Santería, reflecting on Celia's Afro-Cuban roots.
Alain Pérez, who worked alongside the artist as a conductor and composer, greeted the audience with a “Good evening my holy black” before singing “Quimbara,” while Cuban flags waved.
Lena Burke performed "Toro Mata" and "Tu voz," while Nuviola had the audience singing along with "Yerbero moderno," "Cúcala," and "Bemba colorá."
Isaac Delgado included a tribute to Palmieri during "La sandunguita," and the finale featured all the artists on stage singing "La vida es un carnaval."
In interviews, Delgado and Pérez highlighted Celia's humility and professionalism, as well as her ability to break barriers in a male-dominated genre.
The singer, who passed away on July 16, 2003, and is buried in The Bronx alongside her husband Pedro Knight, continues to be remembered as a symbol of talent, resilience, and joy, particularly outside of a Cuba where her name remains excluded from official tributes.
The next tribute will be in Madrid on August 24th.
Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad de la Santísima Trinidad Cruz Alfonso, world-renowned as Celia Cruz, was a famous and acclaimed Cuban singer born in the Havana neighborhood of Santos Suárez on October 21, 1925.
He recorded more than 70 albums, won three consecutive Latin Grammys in his later years, and established himself as the most iconic figure in Cuban music, famous for his overwhelming energy, colorful outfits, and his famous shout of "¡Azúcar!".
In 2024, their songs recorded 64 million official on-demand streams in the United States, reaffirming the relevance of their art and their intergenerational influence.
Her legacy shone during the third edition of Billboard Women in Music, where the unforgettable "Queen of Salsa" was posthumously awarded the Legend Award, in a heartfelt tribute to her extraordinary career and the centenary of her birth.
The Billboard gala took place on the evening of Thursday, April 24, 2025. It featured a vibrant musical performance by Ivy Queen, La India, and Olga Tañón, who performed some of Cruz's most iconic hits, paying tribute to her unique voice, unmatched charisma, and lasting influence on Latin music.
In January, the Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) at Miami Dade College (MDC) opened the exhibition ‘Celia Cruz: Work’ to commemorate the centenary of the legendary Cuban singer.
At the end of April, Ruth Sánchez Laviera, a renowned Puerto Rican hairstylist and cosmetologist, known for being the mastermind behind Celia Cruz's iconic looks, passed away. She was also a confidant and friend to Celia for over 40 years.
Since August 5, 2024, a coin featuring the image of Celia Cruz began circulating officially in the United States. This special edition is part of the American Women Quarters 2024 program, through which the government of that country honors five illustrious female figures of the nation.
Frequently asked questions about the tribute to Celia Cruz on her centenary
How was the centenary of Celia Cruz celebrated in New York?
The centenary of Celia Cruz was celebrated in New York with a concert in Central Park that brought together hundreds of people and prominent Cuban artists such as Isaac Delgado, Brenda Navarrete, Alain Pérez, Aymée Nuviola, and Lena Burke. The event, titled “Celia lives,” was a tribute to her musical legacy and her influence on salsa. Despite her cultural significance, no official tributes were held in her honor in Cuba.
Why is Celia Cruz's legacy ignored in Cuba?
The legacy of Celia Cruz is officially ignored in Cuba due to her critical stance towards the Cuban socialist regime, especially following her exile. Despite her international success and influence in Latin music, the Cuban government has kept her figure away from official tributes, a stance that contrasts with the recognition she receives in other countries.
What other events have been held in honor of Celia Cruz?
In addition to the concert in New York, other events have taken place such as the exhibition ‘Celia Cruz: Work’ at the Miami Dade College Museum of Art and Design and her recognition with the Legend Award at the Billboard Latin Women in Music gala 2025. These events highlight her legacy and impact on Latin music, reaffirming her significance as a cultural icon.
What is the importance of Celia Cruz in Latin music?
Celia Cruz is regarded as an icon of Cuban music and salsa worldwide. With over 70 recorded albums and multiple awards, including three consecutive Latin Grammys, her energy, charisma, and her famous cry of "¡Azúcar!" have established her as a key figure in Latin music. Her legacy continues to influence new generations, and her music still resonates strongly.
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