Los Angeles, Calif., Jan 12, 2013 / 13:09 pm
"This is in gratitude to what has happened in our lives this year that is about to end," said Mexican singer Graciela Beltran, walking quickly through an ambulatory of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, followed by her entourage.
Only one hour was left to rehearse and rest before performing at the first midnight celebration and Mass in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Dec. 11.
Beltran is no stranger to such events. During 25 years as a singer in the regional mexicano (Mexican Regional) genre, she has performed on several occasions at the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico City during the virgin's feast day, Dec. 12, together with other renowned Mexican interpreters.
Only a few times, she said, has she missed a celebration for the Virgin. She tries to adjust her schedule to make sure she is celebrating the Blessed Mother wherever she is invited. This was her second time at the Cathedral, having performed previously a few years after it was opened.