Fans brave the heat to see Jenni Rivera get a posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame star

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As a huge fan of Jenni Rivera since the late ’90s, I can personally relate to her impact and influence on Latino communities, especially for those of us who grew up in California. Her openness and vulnerability in sharing her struggles and experiences resonated deeply with many fans, including myself.

On Thursdays, the 2,783rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was bestowed upon the late regional Mexican singer Jenni Rivera. Her five children received this esteemed recognition in her honor.

“Janney Marin Rivera, or Chiquis as she’s famously called, expressed her deep pride during the event. ‘It’s an immense privilege to be the daughter of such an accomplished woman,’ she shared. ‘But what truly matters most is that my mother left indelible marks not only on this world but also in countless hearts.'”

Chiquis and her siblings Johnny Lopez, Jacqie Rivera, Jenicka Lopez, and Michael Rivera were accompanied by the Mexican singer Gloria Trevi during an event. Gloria had become close friends with Jenni Rivera prior to her tragic death in a plane crash in December 2012.

Today is a remarkable day as we pay tribute and commemorate the life and artistic achievements of an extraordinary woman. Trevi expressed, “Jenni Rivera, known as ‘la Diva de la Banda,’ ‘la Mariposa de Barrio,’ the daughter, sister, woman, friend, mother, continues to live in our hearts and through us, her admirers.” Today, love and creativity triumph over mortality.

The Rivera family celebrates Jenni Rivera’s posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
(Carlin Stiehl / For De Los)

At 1750 Vine Street, Capitol Records is where you’ll find the star, not too far from Selena Quintanilla’s Tejano legend memorialize star. Around 250 enthusiastic fans gathered at the Yucca and Vine streets intersection prior to being granted access by security. The crowd size soon increased significantly, as more fans flocked to the area to experience the powerful banda bass tunes and heartfelt speeches from close friends and family members.

One of my mom’s former boyfriends, whom she fondly recalled, worked in this area. We often visited him and my mother would express her hope, as we sat in the car, a Mercedes being hers, “I’ll have my shining moment here one day.” I believed it was unattainable after her demise, but God surprisingly defied such assumptions.

In the sweltering heat with no relief in sight, Rivera’s dedicated fans remained unfazed, paying tribute to their beloved “Diva de la Banda.” Sweat trickled down their brows, yet they persisted, using hand fans to alleviate the scorching sun’s intensity. Amidst the sea of sweat and heat exhaustion, the crowd erupted in joyous cheers for “Jenni.”

As a movie reviewer reflecting on Rivera’s legacy, I can’t help but feel the impact of her music even after all these years. Her passing may have occurred over a decade ago, but her messages of empowerment and resilience resonate with me, and especially with women, more than ever.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored the late Jenni Rivera with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
(Carlin Stiehl / For De Los)

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the significant impact Rivera had, especially as a fellow Latina. Her influence drew me from my hometown of Beloit, Wis., for a brief visit to Lodi, Calif., to see my sister before embarking on a lengthy five-hour journey to attend the ceremony in her honor.

As I heard the news of her honor, my heart skipped a beat. I instantly thought, “I need to be there, I have to book my flight.” My excitement was tinged with sadness, as I missed the chance to see her perform live when I was younger. But being a part of this moment still makes me proud. In my quest for a souvenir, I scanned the area in search of a street vendor selling T-shirts.

As a devoted cinema-goer, I can tell you that there’s not a single family gathering at which the soothing tunes of Rivera don’t play a role. She expresses her deep connection to the world of music through her favorite ballad, “No Llega el Olvido,” a heartfelt ode to a lover who continues to hold a cherished place in her memory.

Meliza Ramas, along with her 13-year-old daughter, traveled for eight hours from Tucson, Arizona, to attend the ceremony. They weren’t local residents. Meliza shares that Rivera’s impact transcends song lyrics. In her opinion, a significant aspect of Rivera’s achievements can be attributed to her openness and vulnerability with fans.

Chiquis Rivera speaks at the unveiling of her late mother’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
(Carlin Stiehl / For De Los)

As a movie buff, I can truly connect with her story. We both grew up in the bustling streets of L.A., facing similar struggles and having comparable family structures. Seeing someone triumph from such a shared background and place brings a sense of relatability and inspiration. Artists often keep their pasts hidden, but when they bravely reveal the good, bad, and ugly aspects of their lives, audiences can resonate with them on a deeper level.

As a devoted movie buff gushing about my beloved star, I, Victoria Barakat, couldn’t help but draw attention with my oversized sun hat shielding me from the glaring sun, a Jenni Rivera T-shirt proudly displaying my allegiance, and intricate tattoos that were a testament to my unwavering admiration. Nestled in my hands was a bedazzled frame containing a cherished photograph of my idol. Having followed her since 1993 and attended more than twenty of her mesmerizing concerts, I felt an inexplicable connection to this extraordinary woman. The pinnacle of my fan experience came when I was granted the privilege of meeting her backstage.

I’m fortunate and delighted to have the opportunity to speak on her behalf. Though she may be physically absent, her presence feels as strong as ever to me.

While on her way to an ultrasound technician training session, Barakat learned about Rivera’s passing.

“While driving on the 10 Freeway, Barakat learned that Jenni Rivera’s plane had crashed. The news left him devastated. For more than half a year after her passing, he found it difficult to listen to her music without shedding tears.”

After the conclusion of the event, supporters, including Veronica Nakaya, remained in the cordoned-off section of Vine Street. Later, they were dispersed by law enforcement and event personnel. Veronica, among other fans, departed with additional recollections of Jenni Rivera than she initially brought along.

The mother of four acknowledged her workaholic tendencies but managed to take a day off this time. Jenni, who personified being a Latina woman, a single mother, and an ordinary individual, left an impactful legacy with so many people showing up in her honor.

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2024-07-18 20:59