1 / 3

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

A man stands before a framed image of late singer Celia Cruz after attending a memorial Mass marking the centennial of her birth at the Virgen del Cobre or Our Lady of Charity church in Havana, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

HAVANA – Hundreds of people on Tuesday attended a Mass in Havana to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Celia Cruz’s birth just days after Cuban authorities canceled a theater performance in honor of the revered singer without explanation, drawing criticism over what some say was an act of censorship.

Activities to remember the illustrious Cuban artist — one of the island’s most prominent voices internationally — were organized around the world except in Cuba, where she never returned

See Full Page