Leaders in Venezuela's capital are asking residents to take a more somber approach than usual to ring in the New Year.

Instead of marking the occasion with salsa music, Venezuelans should pray for President Hugo Chavez's health, Caracas officials say.

Ten bands had been scheduled to take the stage in a free concert in the historic center of the city Monday. But officials called off the show after they got word that Chavez had suffered "new complications" from cancer surgery.

"Everyone should pray, sending strength to our Commander to overcome this difficult moment," Jacqueline Faria, a Chavez appointee and top official in Caracas, said in a Twitter post announcing the concert's cancellation.