Gabriel García Márquez Death: Colombia Farewells Famed Author

Gabriel García Márquez has been farewelled by his native Colombia in true style. In the Bogota Cathedral, the famed author received a standing ovation from fans and members of the Colombian Government, including President Juan Manuel Santos. Hundreds more watched the ceremony on a big screen in the Plaza Bolivar. Santos gave a heartfelt eulogy, exalting Márquez "magic and poetry." Shortly afterwards, the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia played Mozart's Requiem in E Minor.

Gabriel García Márquez was mourned even by the heavens, it seems: shortly after the service, the whole of Bogota was drenched by a torrential downpour. Juan Manuel Santos made reference to Márquez desire for peace in his country. "Gabo was committed to the fate of his country and Latin America. (...) He was especially concerned about achieving peace (in Colombia)," the president said. "He worked for peace, he always wanted a peceful Colombia, and in his memory, we will not stop until this task is done."

Juan Manuel Santos continued saying "this giant man wrote the Colombia's name in gold across the global panorama." The cathedral in Bogota was decorated with yellow flowers and butterflies, one of the most lasting symbols from his epic novel "One Hundred Years of Solitude." Former Colombian presidents also attended the service including Belisario Betancur (1982-1986), César Gaviria (1990-1994) and Ernesto Samper (1994-1998), each with a yellow flower on their lapel.