‘¡Azúcar!’ Miami Beach Remembers Queen of Salsa with Celia Cruz Way
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OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, Tel: 305.673.7575 Press Release
Melissa Berthier, Email: melissaberthier@miamibeachfl.gov
Matt Kenny, Email: mattkenny@miamibeachfl.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 5, 2023 ‘¡Azúcar!’ Miami Beach Remembers Queen of Salsa with Celia Cruz Way — A portion of Meridian Avenue will be co-designated in the singer’s honor on Oct. 11 — Miami Beach, FL – The late Celia Cruz, who introduced generations of Americans to the rhythmic beat and fluid movements of salsa, will be honored by the City of Miami Beach on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m. when a portion of Meridian Avenue will be co-designated as Celia Cruz Way. The ceremony will take place at 1755 Meridian Avenue. “We proudly announce the naming of a Miami Beach street after the incomparable Celia Cruz,” shared Mayor Dan Gelber. “She brought the world together with her music, and now her name
will forever grace our city as a symbol of cultural richness.” Born in Havana, Cruz delighted U.S. audiences for decades with her “azúcar” catchphrase,
infectious smile and powerful voice. The singer would have turned 98 on Oct. 21. She died in Fort Lee, New Jersey in 2003 at 77.
The U.S. Mint will release the 2024 Celia Cruz Quarter as the 14th coin in the American Women Quarters Program and celebrate the singer’s legacy as one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century. The quarter features a likeness of George Washington on one side and Cruz on the other flashing her dazzling smile while performing in a rumba style dress. Known for her elaborate stage costumes, some of which are part of the Smithsonian collections, Cruz recorded more than 90 albums and songs, earning five Grammy Awards in a career that spanned six decades. ###
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