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RBD Fans Flock to San Jose's SAP Center for 'Rebelde' Reunion

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Karina Guerrero traveled from Gonzales to attend the RBD concert at SAP Center on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Guerrero spent a week bedazzling her hat for the group’s reunion tour. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)

On Friday night in San Jose, RBD devotees filled the SAP Center dressed to the T in bedazzled red blazers, crisp white button-ups, on-theme ties and denim.

The legendary Mexican pop group, who catapulted to fame in the 2000s via the wildly popular teen telenovela Rebelde, launched their Soy Rebelde reunion tour in August, with 54 dates at stadiums and arenas spanning Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and the United States.

In San Jose, it was undeniable: RBD still has a grip on the hearts of millennials and Gen Zers alike.

Sisters Paulina Salinas and Miriam Salinas wait in line with friend Marlene Garibay to see RBD perform at SAP Center on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. The three are long time RBD fans and have listened to the band since their high school days. “Ya estamos trentreinta-onas (we’re in our 30’s now,) but we’re still here,” Paula Salinas said. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)

Members Dulce María Espinoza, Christian Chávez, Maite Perroni, Anahí Puente and Christopher von Uckermann emerged on a floating circular platform that hovered to the center of the SAP stage. Together they ignited euphoric 2000s memories, transforming the arena’s giant screens into vortexes that took many back into their childhood.

For many, the show marked a first encounter with RBD outside the confines of a TV screen. An evening once spent glued to the sofa watching the telenovela, shared with family or close friends, had now transformed into a vibrant, shared spectacle.

RBD perform at SAP Center in San Jose on Friday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)

After a 15-year hiatus, RBD’s comeback is shaping up to be one of the biggest reunions in Latin music history — a profoundly nostalgic odyssey for steadfast fans that weaves their remarkable music and legacy into a new generation’s collective memory.

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KQED’s Paloma Abarca and photographer Estefany Gonzalez stood witness in San Jose, meeting fans embracing their rekindled childhood memories through the iconic garb of Elite Way School.—Paloma Abarca


From left to right: Cristal Monte, Jasmin Padilla, Rubi Montes and Katherine Cortez sport RBD-inspired looks outside of SAP Center on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Padilla spend two days bedazzling her boots to dress up for the RBD reunion concert. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Claudia Jimenez wears a handmade RBD-themed hat to the RBD reunion concert at SAP Center in San Jose on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Mayra Romero (left) and Nathaly Esquivel stand in line to see RBD perform at SAP Center on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Adilene Garcia holds a sign reading “fan de corazon” (“fan from the heart”) at SAP Center on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Mayra Lombera wears a ‘Rebelde’-themed outfit to the RBD reunion concert at SAP Center in San Jose on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Amy Torres wears a ‘Rebelde’-themed outfit to the RBD reunion concert at SAP Center in San Jose on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Sisters Yvonne Martinez (left) and Heydi Martinez wear glittery eye make up to the RBD reunion concert at SAP Center in San Jose on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Nail technician Fernando Barron wears ‘Rebelde’-themed nails to the RBD reunion concert at SAP Center in San Jose on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
From left to right: Diana Romero, Brenda Romero and Jessica Romero wear RBD-inspired looks outside of SAP Center on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Romero spent more than a month customizing her blazer in time to wear it to the RBD reunion concert. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Cynthia Chavez (left) and Jocelyn Muñoz wear RBD outfits in honor of the uniform from Televisa’s telenovela ‘Rebelde.’ (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
RBD perform at SAP Center in San Jose on Friday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Irma Ochoa (left) and Anthony Briseño wear Rebelde Jerseys to the RBD reunion concert at SAP Center in San Jose on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
First-time concert attendees Jacob Andrade (left) and Jose Gonzales pose for a portrait at the SAP Center. “Its my first concert, so I’m excited. I’m reliving my childhood,” Andrade said. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Sisters Claudia Jimenez (left) and Rosa Jimenez wear RBD-inspired looks outside of SAP Center on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
RBD perform at SAP Center in San Jose on Friday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)
Vanessa Sanchez wears a jeweled skirt to the RBD reunion concert at SAP Center in San Jose on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (Estefany Gonzalez for KQED)

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