Azucar! LA Council declares Oct. 17 as ‘Celia Cruz Day'

The Los Angeles City Council declared October 17 as "Celia Cruz Day," marking the iconic Afro-Cuban singer's 100th birthday and honoring a legacy that brought salsa music to audiences around the world.

Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez led a presentation on Friday in the Council Chambers at City Hall to recognize Cruz. Known as the "Queen of Salsa," she recorded more than 70 albums and received several accolades throughout her career.

One of her most famous songs, "La Vida es un Carnaval," is a must at any party or wedding. In fact, if they don't play it, can it even count as a party? 

"Celia's legacy goes far beyond her music -- it lives in the people she inspired and the way she uplifted Latine voices around the world," Soto-Martinez said in a statement.

"She showed us the power and pride of Afro-Latinas everywhere. Today, we celebrate her lasting impact and say happy 100th birthday to a true legend," he added.

The celebration featured remarks and a performance by Mellow Man Ace, a Cuban-American hip-hop artist and founding member of Cypress Hill, and a live dance tribute from Stephanie Stevenson Latin Dance Studio.

"Being Afro-Cuban myself, it is a great honor to be here today and perform for Celia Cruz Day," Man Ace said in a statement. "I was blessed to call her auntie."

Soto-Martinez posted on Instagram: "We’re honoring The Guarechera of Cuba aka Celia Cruz this week for her 100th birthday – officially proclaiming October 17th as Celia Cruz Day in the City of Los Angeles!"

Winnie Sanchez, a community leader, also spoke on Cruz's legacy as a unifying force across Latin America and the Latino diaspora.

According to the councilman's office, Celia Cruz Day recognizes the profound role that music, art and immigration voices play in shaping Los Angeles.

Additional reporting by City News Service.