Aurelio Martinez Laid to Rest
Garifuna musician Aurelio Martinez was laid to rest today after a heartfelt funeral in La Ceiba, Honduras. The journey from Dangriga to La Ceiba began with a boat trip on Thursday, followed by a bus ride. Aurelio’s son, Newani, played a big role in the service. He picked up his father’s guitar during the trip and started singing Aurelio’s hit songs, shining brightly at the wake. Today, the eighteen-year-old led the procession, walking beside his father’s casket through the streets of La Ceiba, where Aurelio was buried. Music promoter Cyril Uruwei Garcia described Newani’s performances at the wake as a beautiful tribute to his father.
Voice of: Cyril Uruwei Garcia, Musical Promoter
“He just got into gear, even at the wake the night when we arrived. His set was beautiful. He was well received. He sang alongside Aurelio’s nephew Junior, who is a heavy hitter here in La Ceiba. So yeah, Newani is his father’s son. He’s Aurelio’s son, indeed, a wonderful, sweet young man. It has been a very sobering journey. There is a lot to chew on. There’s a lot to digest. Personally for me, I’ve known him personally, we spent a lot of time together. So in my own little head, I’m still trying to just process everything, and being here, the journey from leaving Dangriga leaving Belize, just see everyone, sharing their own stories, everyone looking so pensive, not knowing what to expect when we arrived, but finally when we arrive in Honduras, in La Ceiba, it was as if I was born here, all the individuals that I’ve met, everybody just so welcoming, everybody looking forward to see us to welcome us, for those who were staying at the facility that they provided, you know, everything was just, everyone was just together. You felt this sense that togetherness, unity.”
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