MEXICO CITY – Fans of the late singer Juan Gabriel on Monday sang his songs in the garden of the Palacio de Bellas Artes as city officials made plans to honor the memory of the entertainer.
The singer died this weekend at the age of 66.
By midday, fans were singing such songs as “Amor Eternal,” “Noa, noa,” and “Diferencia,” among others, through smiles and tears.
For Mexicans, his death this weekend came as a shock, but they assured themselves that his legend will live on through his music and songs.
This Sunday, after announcing the news, Culture Secretary Rafael Tovar y de Teresa tweeted that the Palacio de Bellas Artes will be open to receive the singer-songwriter’s body and render homage to him if his family agrees. The National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA) still has not confirmed if the remains of the singer will be brought to the Palacio.
Officials are already planning a series of activities to give homage to the singer’s artistic career, according to Mexico City Mayor Miguel Ángel Mancera. Tovar y de Teresa has already begun planning a series of events this week that will not interfere with previously-planned cultural events.
Mancera reiterated his condolences for the death of the Mexican singer.
“There are many people who want to take part in readings,” he said. “Juan Gabriel forms part of the culture and folklore of country and there is much to say about what he symbolizes, so much that he has written and sung. We are already talking to composers to prepare something very good.”
LUCILLY ZAVALA
ELIZABETH HERNANDEZ