Bad Bunny’s groundbreaking Puerto Rico residency has officially begun, and the reggaeton superstar is making more than just musical waves. The “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí” concert series, which kicked off on July 11, 2025, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, represents far more than entertainment—it’s a bold political statement that has captivated fans worldwide and sparked conversations about Puerto Rican identity, culture, and resistance.
The Bad Bunny Puerto Rico residency has already become a cultural phenomenon, with the artist using his platform to address critical issues facing the island while delivering an unforgettable musical experience. From the moment fans entered El Choli, as locals call the venue, they knew they were witnessing something historic.
Bad Bunny Puerto Rico Residency: A Historic Cultural Movement
The significance of Bad Bunny’s residency extends far beyond the 30-show concert series running through September 14, 2025. This unprecedented event marks the first-ever residency of its scale at the 18,500-seat venue, with all 400,000 tickets selling out within just four hours. The residency’s title, “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí” (I Don’t Want to Leave Here), draws directly from Bad Bunny’s 2022 hit “El Apagón” and serves as a powerful declaration of Puerto Rican solidarity.
Before the first show even began, the Bad Bunny Puerto Rico residency was already making political statements. A screen overlooking the tropical stage displayed bold messages about Puerto Rican history and identity, including the declaration: “Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, but it has its own flag, culture, and identity”. The crowd erupted in applause, understanding the deeper meaning behind these words.
The Political Statement That Resonated Globally
The political dimensions of the Bad Bunny Puerto Rico residency became immediately apparent as fans witnessed an artist at the peak of his global fame choosing to prioritize his homeland over international markets. The first nine shows were exclusively reserved for Puerto Rican residents, requiring proof of residency for ticket purchases—a deliberate choice that historian Jorell Meléndez-Badillo describes as signaling “that Benito is speaking personally to Puerto Ricans first and foremost”.
This decision reflects Bad Bunny’s commitment to addressing issues of gentrification, cultural displacement, and economic inequality that have plagued the island. As Javier J. Hernández Acosta, dean of the School of Arts, Design and Creative Industries at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan, explains, the concerts represent “a powerful symbol of Puerto Rican self-reliance and the belief that the US territory can stand tall on its own”.
Bad Bunny Puerto Rico Residency Setlist: A Musical Journey Through Culture
The Bad Bunny Puerto Rico residency setlist showcases the artist’s dedication to preserving and celebrating Puerto Rican musical traditions while addressing contemporary social issues. The performance begins with what appears to be an unreleased song, followed by a bomba version of “KETU TeCRÉ” and “EL CLúB,” immediately establishing the fusion of traditional and modern sounds that defines the experience.
Traditional Elements in the Bad Bunny Puerto Rico Residency
The setlist incorporates traditional Puerto Rican musical elements throughout, with plena drums accompanying songs like “La Santa” (originally with Daddy Yankee), “PIToRRO DE COCO,” and the politically charged “El Apagón”. The inclusion of Los Pleneros de la Cresta for “CAFé CON RON” and a salsa version of “Callaíta” demonstrates Bad Bunny’s commitment to honoring the island’s musical heritage.
The stage design itself makes a statement, featuring Puerto Rico’s natural landscape with a lush, verdant rainforest set, palm trees, the album’s signature white plastic chairs, and even live chickens wandering freely. This immersive environment creates an authentic Puerto Rican atmosphere that contrasts sharply with typical arena performances.
Complete Bad Bunny Puerto Rico Residency Setlist Analysis
The comprehensive setlist from the opening night reveals the depth of Bad Bunny’s artistic vision:
Opening Segment:
- Unreleased new song
- KETU TeCRÉ (bomba version)
- EL CLúB
- La Santa
- PIToRRO DE COCO
- El Apagón
Acoustic Segment:
- Si Estuviésemos Juntos
- Solo De Mi
- Ni Bien Ni Mal
- Amorfoda
- TURiSTA
House Stage Performance:
- NUEVAYoL
- Tití Me Preguntó
- Neverita
- Si Veo a Tu Mamá (techno version)4
Rooftop Performance:
- VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR
- Me Porto Bonito
- No Me Conoce
- Bichiyal
Closing Segment:
- CAFé CON RON (with Los Pleneros de la Cresta)
- LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii
- Callaíta (salsa version)
- BAILE INoLVIDABLE
- DTmF
- La Mudanza
Economic Impact and Cultural Significance
The Bad Bunny Puerto Rico residency is generating unprecedented economic impact, with conservative estimates projecting $200-335 million in economic benefits for the island. The residency is expected to attract approximately 600,000 visitors to Puerto Rico, effectively doubling the typical tourist numbers during the summer months.
Tourism Boost and Local Business Support
Hotel occupancy rates for July and August have increased by nearly 70% compared to the same period in 2024, while September bookings have risen by 20%. Airbnb searches across the island have jumped by 140% since the residency announcement, creating what industry experts call the “Bad Bunny effect”—similar to the “Taylor Swift effect” but specifically tailored to Puerto Rican culture.
The artist has actively encouraged fans to support local businesses, with social media messages urging concertgoers to “shop local” for their concert outfits and experiences. This approach aligns with his broader message of cultural preservation and economic empowerment for Puerto Ricans.
Job Creation and Economic Revitalization
The residency is expected to create over 8,000 jobs across various sectors, from hospitality and transportation to retail and food service. The Foundation of Puerto Rico’s study indicates that $170 million of the total economic impact will flow directly into San Juan, with additional benefits reaching communities throughout the island.
Political Messaging and Social Commentary
The Bad Bunny Puerto Rico residency serves as a platform for addressing critical social and political issues facing the island. The artist’s latest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” which the residency promotes, has been described as his most political work to date.
Gentrification and Cultural Preservation
Bad Bunny’s political messaging focuses heavily on the threat of gentrification and cultural displacement facing Puerto Rico. His song “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii” explicitly warns against Puerto Rico following Hawaii’s path, where native populations have been displaced by tourism and foreign investment. The lyrics “Quieren quitarme el río y también la playa, quieren el barrio mío y que abuelita se vaya” (They want to take my river and my beach, they want my neighborhood and for grandma to leave) resonate deeply with audiences experiencing these challenges firsthand.
Colonial Status and Independence Themes
The residency’s political statements extend to Puerto Rico’s colonial relationship with the United States. The pre-show messages about Puerto Rico’s territorial status and the incorporation of the light blue Puerto Rican flag—inspired by the revolutionary Lares flag—in music videos signal support for independence movements.
Professor Albert Laguna from Yale University, who teaches a course on Bad Bunny’s musical aesthetics and politics, notes that the artist is “talking a lot about the difficult political situation in Puerto Rico—the corruption he’s talking about, the economic difficulties that cannot be separated from the colonial relationship with the United States”.
Social Media Reactions and Fan Response
The Bad Bunny Puerto Rico residency has generated massive social media engagement, with fans celebrating both the musical performances and the political messaging. Videos from the opening night show crowds erupting in applause when political statements appeared on screen, demonstrating the audience’s support for Bad Bunny’s bold stance.
Puerto Rican Diaspora Connection
The residency has particularly resonated with Puerto Rican communities in the United States, with high search volumes for accommodations coming from cities like New York, Chicago, and Orlando. This connection to the diaspora reflects Bad Bunny’s role as a cultural ambassador who maintains strong ties to Puerto Rican identity regardless of geographic location.
Fan testimonials highlight the emotional impact of the experience. Amanda Sanchez, a 30-year-old attendee, described the event as “super emotional,” while Gabriel Acevedo emphasized that Bad Bunny’s decision to host the residency in Puerto Rico showed “the care and love he feels for the island”19.
Cultural Pride and Identity
Michelle Munoz, a 55-year-old Brooklynite of Puerto Rican origin who attended the opening night, praised Bad Bunny for his willingness to speak the “truth” while “showing and honoring the history of music—the music that came before him, that he grew up on, and that made him”. She emphasized that “He’s not a crossover. He is a Spanish-singing global artist,” highlighting the significance of his maintaining linguistic and cultural authenticity.
Stage Design and Production Elements
The Bad Bunny Puerto Rico residency features an innovative two-stage setup that enhances the storytelling aspect of the performance. The main stage mirrors Puerto Rico’s natural landscape with its rainforest setting, while the second stage replicates the house featured in Bad Bunny’s short film collaborations.
Symbolic Elements and Visual Storytelling
The production incorporates live chickens, traditional white plastic chairs, bomba dancers, and a live band, creating an immersive Puerto Rican experience that extends beyond music. The elevated bridge structure allows for dynamic movement throughout the venue, while pyrotechnics and strobe lights enhance the emotional impact of key songs.
The costume changes throughout the performance reflect different aspects of Puerto Rican culture, from traditional elements to contemporary fashion, reinforcing the message of cultural continuity and evolution.
Historical Context and Precedent
The Bad Bunny Puerto Rico residency represents a significant milestone in Puerto Rican entertainment history. The venue has previously hosted iconic performances by artists like Daddy Yankee, Wisin & Yandel, and international acts like Metallica, but the 30-show residency format is unprecedented.
Breaking Records and Setting Standards
Bad Bunny has consistently broken attendance records at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, with his 2022 performance attracting 18,749 spectators—249 over the venue’s official capacity. The current residency is set to surpass the previous record held by Wisin & Yandel’s 14-date farewell tour run in December 2022.
Global Impact and Cultural Export
While the Bad Bunny Puerto Rico residency focuses on local culture and politics, its impact extends globally. The decision to skip U.S. mainland dates in favor of the Puerto Rico residency sends a powerful message about cultural priorities and artistic integrity.
Educational and Academic Interest
The residency has generated significant academic interest, with universities like Yale and Wellesley College offering courses analyzing Bad Bunny’s music and political messaging. Professor Petra Rivera-Rideau of Wellesley College notes that “as Bad Bunny has become more famous, he has leaned more into his political orientation, not less”.
Looking Forward: Legacy and Continuing Impact
The Bad Bunny Puerto Rico residency is more than a concert series—it’s a cultural movement that addresses fundamental questions about identity, belonging, and resistance in the modern world. As the residency continues through September 14, 2025, its impact on Puerto Rican culture, politics, and economics will likely extend far beyond the final performance.
The event demonstrates how artists can use their platforms to address social issues while celebrating cultural heritage, creating a model for politically engaged entertainment that doesn’t sacrifice artistic quality or commercial appeal. Through the Bad Bunny Puerto Rico residency, fans witness not just a musical performance, but a declaration of cultural independence and pride that resonates far beyond the walls of El Choli.
The powerful combination of traditional Puerto Rican musical elements, contemporary production values, and bold political messaging has created an experience that validates Puerto Rican identity while challenging systemic inequalities. As Bad Bunny continues to break records and barriers, his residency stands as a testament to the power of music as a vehicle for social change and cultural preservation.
This historic Bad Bunny Puerto Rico residency will undoubtedly influence future discussions about Puerto Rico’s political status, cultural identity, and economic development, proving that sometimes the most powerful political statements come through the universal language of music and the deep connection between an artist and their homeland.
