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The day Celia Cruz returned to Cuba

Cuban singer Celia Cruz, known as 'the Queen of Salsa', lived in exile for 43 years. Banned from going back to her country by Fidel Castro, she visited the island once in 1990.

In January 1990, Cuban singer Celia Cruz, known as ‘the Queen of Salsa’, went back to Cuba. Banned by Fidel Castro for opposing his regime, it was the only time in her 43 years of exile that she was able to visit the island.

She was invited to sing in the US naval base on Guantanamo Bay. The trip only lasted a day and a half, but it was full of touching moments and symbolisms. Omer Pardillo Cid, Celia’s manager and close friend, tells Stefania Gozzer about the mark this visit left in the singer.

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(Photo: Celia Cruz holds a Cuban flag as she performs during the 'Combinacion Perfecta' concert at Madison Square Garden, New York City, 1993. Credit: Getty Images)

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Sun 6 Oct 2024 16:00GMT

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