Juan Gabriel events pay tribute to singer-songwriter in El Paso, Juárez and Arizona

This year marks seven years since the talented singer and songwriter Juan Gabriel died. The Mexican composer died Aug. 28, 2016 in Santa Monica, California, the same day he was supposed to perform in El Paso at the Don Haskins Center.

That fateful day many El Paso fans still gathered around the center, some with posters, to mourn his loss and remember him by singing his longtime hits.

As a beloved adopted son of the community of Juárez, the singer is still remembered in murals, Mexican team sports jerseys, playing of his hits on CDs and visiting his home on Avenida 16 de Septiembre. The city plans various tributes for him each year, including a parade.

In El Paso and even in Phoenix, there are various ways to honor his memory this year. Here are the details to honor Juanga, as he was sometimes affectionately called, in the borderland.

Arriba Juárez Parade in Juárez

The Juárez Juangabrielísimo festival will kick off with an evening parade Saturday, Aug. 26 in Juárez. The parade will start at 8 p.m. on the Avenida 16 de Septiembre, from Justo Sierra street to Gregorio M. Solís.

This will be the second parade that the city's municipal administration puts on in honor of the Divo of Juárez but the first with all kinds of lights, lit-up vehicles and music. It also will lead into a week of cultural appreciation for the artist.

Sunday, Aug. 27, fans of Juan Gabriel with have a music and art exhibit from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. outside his house, on Avenida 16 de Septiembre and Perú streets.

Monday, Aug. 28, there will be a Mass in his honor at noon at the Santuario de San Lorenzo, Valle de Juarez and San Lorenzo streets. A traditional serenata will take place at 8 p.m. Monday outside the house.

On Saturday, Sept. 2, Juan Gabriel fans can also look forward to a Callejoneada, sort of a street fest, starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Semjase, located between Ignacio Mejía y Ramón Corona streets. Singing groups will be singing various Juan Gabriel songs along the way, hitting the Plaza Tin Tán and arriving to the Mercado Juárez and finally Perú street.

The celebration will end at the house of the Divo on Avenida 16 de Septiembre.

Mexican Consulate plans tribute to Juan Gabriel as part of 16 de septiembre

The Mexican Consulate along with Destination El Paso is collaborating with a special 213th anniversary of Mexico's Independence Sept. 15 at the El Paso convention center. The grito will be at 8 p.m. Admission will be free.

The special celebration will be from 5 to 10 p.m. and feature a variety of regional talent as well as food and beverage vendors. Entertainment will include Ballet Folklorico Camino Real, Mariachi Los Arrieros, La Conquistadora Banda y Conquistadora Norteño Banda and Grupo Status performing a tribute to Juan Gabriel.

Arizona ballet pays tribute to Juan Gabriel

The Arizona Ballet pays tribute to Juan Gabriel and his 1990 concert at Bellas Artes with specially choreographed performances Oct. 26-29 at the Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix. The ballet is performed to a recorded production of the singer-songwriter's concert in Mexico City and features vibrant costumes designed by Mexico City-based designer Carla Fernandez and dynamic choreography. Tickets range from $35 on up, excluding fees, available at tickets.balletaz.org

More: El Paso opera singer Barbara Padilla talks about Juan Gabriel in this 2022 feature.

María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150, mcortes@elpasotimes.com and @EPTMaria on Twitter

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Juan Gabriel events pay tribute to singer-songwriter in El Paso, Juárez and Arizona