Comedian Ulises Toirac has suggested that Cubans residing in the United States start sending coins featuring the image of Celia Cruz to Cuba as a tribute to the iconic artist who passed away in 2003. Ulises mentioned that in August, a 25-cent coin (quarter) dedicated to Celia will be released in the U.S., and since he already has one thanks to a generous friend, he wants all his compatriots to have one too.
"It would be wonderful if all Cubans living there sent one to a partner, friend, or family member," he said in a video shared on his Facebook wall. This initiative is a sort of campaign by the comedian, which he has named "El cuartico de ¡Azúcar!"
"On October 21, her birthday, everyone who has their quarter should photograph themselves with it. It would be a beautiful way to tell the world that Cubans love Celia Cruz," he assured.
This week, Toirac showed off his coin featuring the singer's image on his social media accounts. The coin will officially circulate starting August 12 as part of the American Women Quarters 2024 program, which honors five distinguished female figures. "In my hand already," he emphasized, and announced that on Friday he would make a proposal related to the Queen of Salsa "that I think you will love."
The comedian recently confessed his deep admiration for Celia. He recalled that in 2015, during a work trip to Washington, he participated in an Independence Day celebration. At the National Museum of American History, "I remember walking through the entrance and seeing an entire lobby wall filled with colors, highlighting the image of Celia Cruz and the Cuban flag. (...) I suddenly felt that in that place, there was a piece of my most intimate personality, my cradle, my home, my roots," he recounted on his Facebook page.
"They were paying tribute to the unparalleled talent of a daughter of this Island. And, therefore, to the culture of Cuba. That is being an ambassador of culture and the Nation. Only the greatest in a country can achieve that," Toirac pointed out, expressing his surprise at seeing a tribute to Celia in the United States.
"I felt so extremely proud in that part of the museum, it's something I will not be able to forget as long as I live," he wrote emotionally.
Ulises Toirac's Campaign to Honor Celia Cruz
Here are some common questions and answers about Ulises Toirac's initiative to send Celia Cruz coins to Cuba.
What is the purpose of Ulises Toirac's campaign?
The campaign aims to honor Celia Cruz by encouraging Cuban-Americans to send coins featuring her image to Cuba, spreading love and appreciation for the late artist among Cuban citizens.
When will the Celia Cruz quarter be released?
The Celia Cruz quarter will officially circulate starting August 12, 2024, as part of the American Women Quarters program.
How can Cuban-Americans participate in this initiative?
Cuban-Americans can participate by sending the Celia Cruz quarter to their friends, family, or acquaintances in Cuba and photographing themselves with the coin on October 21, Celia Cruz's birthday.