On Monday, family members, musicians, friends, and dozens of citizens bid farewell to Rafael Ithier, former musical director of the Puerto Rican salsa orchestra El Gran Combo, during a solemn mass at the Cathedral of San Juan, nine days after his death at the age of 99. On the left side of the altar, Ithier's ashes, a photo of him, and a floral tribute from Puerto Rico's Governor, Jenniffer González, were placed. On the other side, a painting by Puerto Rican artist Pablo Marcano honoring the late musician was displayed. Before the mass, El Gran Combo singers Jerry Rivas, Anthony García, and Joselito Hernández performed a couple of songs, including 'Las hojas blancas', evoking strong emotions among those present. In his sermon, Archbishop Roberto González Nieves referred to Ithier as 'a new hero of the Puerto Rican vision.' Prominent salsa artists such as Panamanian Rubén Blades and Puerto Ricans Víctor Manuelle, Tito Nieves, Bobby Valentín, Willie Rosario, Humberto Ramírez, and La India attended the religious service. Blades stated to the press that Ithier 'had been an inspiration to the whole world, he was an important person, not just for Puerto Rico, but for the whole world.' 'Death begins with forgetting,' philosophized Blades. Tito Nieves, for his part, stated that from Ithier he learned 'to choose good music, to be responsible, and to be a good Puerto Rican, because don Rafaéel was exactly what he showed.' The mass on Monday was the only public event, as, in accordance with Ithier's wishes, the burial will take place later in a private ceremony reserved for the family.
Puerto Rico Bids Farewell to Salsa Legend Rafael Ithier
A solemn farewell mass was held in San Juan for Rafael Ithier, founder of the famous El Gran Combo orchestra. Thousands of people and salsa stars paid tribute to the musician, who passed away at the age of 99.
