TAMPA, Fla. — Bad Bunny brought pride and celebration to Latinos across the U.S. with his historic Super Bowl halftime performance Sunday night, becoming the first Latino male artist to headline the show with a mostly Spanish-language performance.
At Puerto Rican restaurant Pal Campo in Tampa, fans gathered for a "Benito Bowl" watch party, cheering as the superstar made history on one of the world's biggest stages. The event featured music, dancing, and emotional reactions from attendees who saw the moment as a powerful representation of their culture.
"For us as Puerto Ricans, we are very proud being a part of a big stage," said Juan Negron, manager of Pal Campo Restaurant.
The performance resonated deeply with viewers who saw it as more than entertainment. DJ Tito Vicente said Bad Bunny represents "the star on the Puerto Rican flag" to him.
"I was ecstatic. I couldn't believe it," said Gabriela Resto, who watched the show at the restaurant.
Christian Illeras attended the watch party because he said he believes "this country needs to recognize that Latinos exist."
Fans noted the significance of the performance, not only for its cultural impact, but for the political messages woven in. Bad Bunny incorporated symbols like power poles to highlight Puerto Rico's unreliable electric grid, openly embracing Latino identity in front of millions.
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl appearance was particularly significant given his prior reluctance to perform in the U.S. During his tour, the artist avoided U.S. shows, citing concerns about his fans' safety amid ICE enforcement. However, he embraced the Super Bowl opportunity to share Puerto Rican culture with a global audience.
The performance showcased elements of Puerto Rican life, from farms to traditional dance and music, prompting many to say it was a chance to remind the country and the world that Latinos exist, contribute, and deserve to be proud of their heritage.
Vicente said everyone felt "euphoric" watching Bad Bunny's performance, noting how the artist's music "has transcended on a global level in an incredible way."
Illeras emphasized the broader significance of the moment for Latino representation.
"Latinos have a voice and shouldn't be afraid to speak up – being Latino is something to be proud of, and what better moment than now to say it to the country and the world," he said.
Bad Bunny closed the show by naming Latin American countries, prompting cheers from people in Tampa.
"Latinos in the U.S. exist and have a strong voice," Illeras said.Sub-headline: Tampa Bay's Puerto Rican community celebrates milestone performance at local restaurant watch party
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