Salsa god, internationally renowned musician, and Cartagena native Joe Arroyo was laid to rest Wednesday in the northern Colombian city of Barranquilla where he died the day before following a long battle with diabetes.
Thousands of admirers watched as Arroyo’s body was moved through the streets of the Caribbean city from the Maria Reina cathedral to the Gardens of Eternity cemetery.
Before the funeral ceremony, thousands of fans paid tribute to their hero who had been put on display in the cathedral.
Several bands played music while the procession took the salsa hero to his final destination. 300 police escorted his casket to the cemetery.
Notable musicians and celebrities were present to mourn the loss of Joe Arroyo. Singer Adriana Lucia, host of talent show “El Factor X” Juan Carlos Coronel, the mayor of Barranquilla and the mayor of Cartagena attended the event.
The entire cast of TV show “El Joe,” a show that recounts the life and events of Joe Arroyo’s life, offered condolences to family members and friends at the funeral.
Arroyo died at 55 after spending weeks in the Ascuncion Hospital’s intensive care. He suffered from lung problems, kidney and heart, associated with diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. “El Joe” is considered to be one of the greatest salsa musicians in the world.