Dominican pride, memories and honor are the sentiments evoked in the vigil held this Sunday afternoon, February 21, in memory of Johnny Pacheco at La Plaza de Las Americas, in front of the United Palace theater in Upper Manhattan.
Between the snow still stuck to the asphalt and a sunny afternoon, dozens of Dominicans have gathered in front of a large banner with the effigy of Pacheco, in addition to part of his greatest hits sounded at the vigil.
Among those present were Councilor Ydanis Rodríguez from District 10, Congressman Adriano Espaillat from District 13, and journalist Félix Jerez, who bent his knees invoking a prayer for the soul of the deceased artist.
“He was a great icon of music, he launched salsa in this city, he filled Madison Square Garden, and at the same time he brought this genre to all parts of the world,” Espaillat said.
The vigil was held at the initiative of Elías Barrera Corporán, a member of the Dominican Consulate in NY, and the chronicler Roberto Gerónimo.
Corporán thanked Pacheco for his attendance and honored him, describing the deceased as the greatest Dominican in the world.
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