“Low Rider” by WAR begins, “George Lopez” — an iconic theme song for a staple of Mexican representation on television. The low rider referenced in the song is itself a hallmark of Chicano culture. The cars themselves act as a work of art with their flashy colors and hydraulic systems. Some feature homages to loved ones lost, religious figures or pop culture icons.
Over at the Low Low Car Show at Cowboys Dance Hall, one can witness the culture of the low rider come to life. Several car clubs have come together to feature their automated vehicles. Cars range from vintage Chevy Chevelles to 2024 Ford F-150s. Amongst the engines and wheels, there is a culture of immortalization.
Rows upon rows of cars sit outside the dance hall. Many of them are bright lime green, deep cherry red, highlighter hot pink or soft-shell blue. As the cars line up, many of the drivers mess around with the hydraulics demonstrating the playful nature of this car meet. In the front of the rows, many of the cars are homages to pop culture icons.
Naturally, there are a couple of vehicles dedicated to Al Pacino’s “Scarface” — a beloved gangster in the Latino community. One three-wheeled vehicle features a Basquiat-esque depiction of “Scarface” on the side panels and hood of the car — a very in-your-face dedication to the gangster. A 1985 red Buick Regal complete with hydraulics and tiny wheels features memorabilia of the film and a Scarface doll. The vehicle is meant to mimic the Buick Regal featured in the 1983 film.
Other pop culture icons featured include Superman, Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, The Joker, Beetlejuice, the Boogeyman from “A Nightmare Before Christmas” and a car riddled with question marks in dedication to Jim Carrey’s Riddler from “Batman Forever.”
While pop culture gets its fair share of memorialization, many of the vehicles gathered at the show are in dedication to loved ones who have passed. One low rider features an image of two parents in heaven. Along with their image are two roses — an allusion to La Rosa de Guadalupe. La Virgen plays a major role in many of the low riders. Many of the vehicles do not feature grandiose images, but almost all have some reminder of La Virgen — whether a rosary draped upon the rearview mirror or an image attached to the gear shifter.
Throughout the rows, the history of a people can be traced — the trials and tribulations and the hopes and dreams. The cars are not just here for show. They are here to remember. They are here to immortalize Chicano culture and heritage.
