Considered by many as one of Mexico’s most sacred places, la Basílica de Guadalupe — the spot where legend says the Juan Diego first encountered la virgen de Guadalupe, Mexico’s patron — was the site of a farewell to Spanish music icon Rocío Dúrcal.

From El Universal:

Among cheers, ovations and nostalgic mariachi music, the urn containing part of the ashes of singer Rocío Dúrcal arrived at the Basílica de Guadalupe, her final resting place and where homage was paid to her this afternoon in the atrium.

Her husband, Junior and her daughter Carmen placed the urn with the Spanish singers ashes in the atrium of the basilica so that close to 1000 fans could pay their last respects, an homage that was truly moving for the family.

To the sound of the notes of mariachi songs like “México lindo y querido”, “Amor eterno” and “Cuando dos almas”, this homage was held, in which Rocío’s fans continued to mourn their loss as the singer’s relatives performed a solemn “guardia de honor”.

How apropos that Rocío’s ashes be divided between Mexico and Spain, and that her fans had the opportunity to say goodbye at such an important spot for Mexicans.

Venezuela’s El Universal reported:

After the ceremony, which included a mass before depositing the ashes in one of the basilica’s crypts, Shayla (Rocio’s daughter) said to fans: “Thank you so much for being here and for loving Mom so much.”

Notably absent from the event was singer Juan Gabriel.

Via / El Universal (Mexico) and El Universal (Venezuela)

Photo via EFE