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Julio César Noroña, "Julito", güira player of the orchestra Los Van Van, passed away this Monday in Havana at the age of 59, after facing a "complex health situation" in recent weeks, reported the Cuban group.
"With deep sorrow, we bid farewell today to our dear brother Julito Noroña," wrote the iconic group as they confirmed the news on their social media, in an emotional farewell message that highlighted both his artistic career and his human qualities.
"We are physically left with an exceptional musician, but above all, a dear friend, a loyal companion, and a human being who filled every place with his joy, sense of humor, and immense heart," the statement emphasized.
The musician, son of the founder of the orchestra Julio Eladio Noroña Cruz, took on the family legacy in 2021 by stepping into his father's role as a güirero in the so-called "Tren de la música cubana."
Julito grew up connected to the musical universe of the orchestra founded by Juan Formell in 1969, in which his father was a member of the original lineup until his retirement. Upon joining the group, Julito played his instrument "with love, respect, and professionalism," the note emphasized.
Before joining Los Van Van, he had been part of Pupy Pedroso and Los Que Son Son, the orchestra founded by another of the original pillars of the group.
The message highlighted the deep bond between Julito and the orchestra: "Today, the Van Van family mourns the departure of one of their own. One of those who didn’t just share a stage, but also life," and extended condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones: "We send our most sincere embrace and all our solidarity during this very difficult time."
"Thank you for your friendship, for your constant smile, and for every note you left on our journey. Rest in peace, brother. We will never forget you," he concluded.
The statement did not disclose the causes of the musician's death or details about the funeral services.
The news has touched colleagues and friends in the Cuban music community. The musician Alain Pérez expressed on Instagram: "How deeply I feel this, man. Such sad news, my friend… May God embrace you in his arms. Send my regards to the pure one. My deepest condolences."
The pianist Cucurucho Valdés reminisced: "Dear Julio!! I was fortunate to share unforgettable moments both on and off the stage!! Something I will cherish dearly!! Fly high, my brother, say hello to your father for me."
“God bless you, may you rest in peace… condolences to your family and to the Vanvaneros,” were the words of Issac Delgado.
Emilio Frías remembered him as "a lovely human being" and stated: "I will always remember how you used to say 'The Little One and the Truth'."
The death of Julito Noroña comes just six months after the passing of his father. Julio Noroña, 85 years old, died in November 2025, leaving an indelible mark in the history of the orchestra and Cuban popular music.
The loss of Julito thus represents a double blow for the Noroña family and for Los Van Van in less than a year.
The orchestra also suffered in June 2025 the loss of another of its founders, the percussionist José Luis Quintana «Changuito», creator of the songo, at the age of 76.
Exactly three years ago, on May 26, 2023, the passing of bassist, guitarist, and composer Juan Carlos Formell Alfonso, aged 59, due to a heart attack during a performance by Los Van Van at the Lehman Center in New York, caused great shock.
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