July 22 - The world said goodbye to salsa queen Celia Cruz with a funeral worthy of royalty. Tens of thousands of fans tossed white rose petals as Cruz’ coffin, in horse-drawn carriage, made its way down Fifth Avenue from the funeral home to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas, Chita Rivera, Reuben Blades and just regular folks attended the service, where Patti LaBelle and Victor Manuelle sang in tribute to the Cuban-born Latin music star. Cruz, 77, died last week of cancer. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Pedro Knight. Mourners regarded torrential downpours as heavenly tears for Cruz.