Pepe Aguilar celebrates family, tradition and Mexican pride in Jaripeo Hasta Los Huesos Spectacle

Pepe Aguilar is all about tradition, Mexican pride and family, and that's exactly what Jaripeo's Hasta Los Huesos tour takes center stage.

With side performances from the Aguilar dynasty, including Antonio Aguilar Jr. (Pepe's brother) and Leonardo and Ángela Aguilar (Pepe's children), the show is a tribute to the legendary Don Antonio Aguilar, who pioneered the jaripeo style. spectacle back in the 60s with singer and actress Flor Silvestre, his wife and mother Pepe and Antonio Jr.

“Antonio was a visionary,” Pepe said of his father on Friday, July 5, during a tour of Chicago's Allstate Arena. “To represent my family and culture in this way is honestly the best. I don't do these shows for the money. It is an honor for my parents and a pride for my culture.”

Pepe and his son Leonardo further honored Don Antonio by singing 'Bandido de Amores', his collaboration with another legend, Joan Sebastian, originally recorded over 30 years ago. The new edition, included in Leonardo's Soy Como Quiero Sera Sebastian tribute album, recently hit No.1 Advertising signRegional Mexican Airplay chart (dated July 6).

Before singing it with Leonardo, Pepe explained the story of how the original collaboration came about. “My dad and Joan didn't get along,” she said matter-of-factly. “But I had them get together for a song. I had to do it. I mean I really admired Joan and, well, Antonio was my dad. And now, 30 years later, I'm recording it with my son and now it's No. 1 thanks to all of you.”

Leonardo and Antonio Jr. each played a set of about 30 minutes before Angela took the stage in front of a roaring crowd, riding a majestic white horse as she wore a gorgeous, long black dress decorated with pink, orange and yellow flowers. She sang 'Que Agonía' and the fan favorite 'Dime Como Quieres', her collaboration with newly confirmed boyfriend Christian Nodal. “I miss you, my love,” he said mid-song.

Inspired by Mexico's Día de Muertos, the three-hour show — featuring a 360-degree style stage filled with altars, Katrinas that come to life and colorful Mexican craftsmanship — features all four artists singing while riding (no easy feat) and charros literally risking their lives riding bulls. At one point, one of the Mexican cowboys was kicked by the bull he rode for a competition and had to be carried out on a stretcher. Pepe assured concertgoers that he was “fine,” adding, “Thank God nothing major happened and we can get on with the show.”

Pepe was the last to take the stage and did so to a packed house full of multi-generational families who applauded his commitment to putting Mexican music, culture and tradition at the forefront of his concerts. His children, who had performed him, watched their father from afar with admiration. “I promise to bring you a different show every year, if you'll let me,” said Pepe.

After an encore show in Chicago on Saturday (July 6), the Jaripeo Hasta Los Huesos tour continues with two back-to-back stops in Los Angeles on July 13-14.