MIAM FL — The voice of Celia Cruz still echoes through the streets of Miami, where her influence remains as vibrant as ever. On what would have been her 100th birthday, South Florida is paying tribute to the “Queen of Salsa” with a series of celebrations that highlight her indelible impact on Latin music and Cuban culture.
Pinecrest Gardens, a historic landmark known for its commitment to the arts, is at the heart of the festivities. A weekend-long celebration features live performances, art installations, and interactive exhibits that chronicle Cruz’s journey from Havana to international stardom. The event, organized in partnership with the Celia Cruz Foundation, aims to introduce new generations to the woman who turned “¡Azúcar!” into a battle cry for resilience and joy.
“Celia wasn’t just an artist—she was a movement,” said María Torres, an event organizer and longtime admirer of Cruz’s work. “Her music is the soundtrack of exile, of celebration, of identity. For the Cuban community, she represents home, no matter where we are.”
A Legacy That Transcends Borders
Born in Havana in 1925, Celia Cruz became one of the most influential figures in Latin music. Her powerful voice, dazzling stage presence, and infectious energy propelled her from local radio stations in Cuba to global recognition. After the Cuban Revolution, she was exiled from her homeland, but her career only soared higher. Cruz collaborated with legends like Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco, and the Fania All-Stars, shaping the golden era of salsa.
For many in Miami’s Cuban exile community, Cruz was more than a singer—she was a symbol of perseverance. Her refusal to return to Cuba under Fidel Castro’s regime made her an emblem of defiance and a beacon of cultural pride. Even in death, her legacy continues to unite generations of Latinos.
Miami’s Tribute to a Timeless Icon
This weekend’s celebration at Pinecrest Gardens is just one of many tributes planned across the city. A special exhibition at the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora showcases rare photographs, costumes, and personal artifacts, offering an intimate look at Cruz’s life beyond the stage.
Meanwhile, local radio stations have dedicated entire programming blocks to her discography, filling the airwaves with classics like La Vida Es Un Carnaval and Quimbara. Across Little Havana, murals of Cruz adorn street corners, and bakeries are even offering special “Celia-inspired” pastries—sweet confections dusted with azúcar, of course.
For Cuban-American singer Leslie Cartaya, who is performing at the event, honoring Cruz is both a privilege and a responsibility. “She paved the way for all of us,” Cartaya said. “She showed the world that Latin music is powerful, that it tells stories of migration, love, and struggle. Every note I sing, I owe to her.”
Celia Cruz’s Enduring Influence
Even a century after her birth, Cruz’s music remains a staple at family gatherings, weddings, and festivals worldwide. Younger artists continue to sample her work, and her distinctive voice finds new audiences through streaming platforms and social media.
“Celia was ahead of her time,” said music historian Julio Cárdenas. “She blended Afro-Cuban rhythms with modern salsa and left us with a musical legacy that refuses to fade. She may be gone, but her presence is eternal.”
As Miami commemorates this milestone, one thing is clear: Celia Cruz’s spirit lives on, not just in the rhythms of salsa but in the hearts of those who continue to dance to her music.
And somewhere, if only in spirit, the Queen of Salsa is watching—her voice ringing out, her arms open wide, and a single word on her lips: “¡Azúcar!”
