Bad Bunny’s residency in Puerto Rico begins, showcasing folklore, pride, and celebrity guests, including his ex

Bad Bunny has officially brought it all back home. With the opening of his historic three-month residency in Puerto Rico, the global superstar turned San Juan’s Coliseo into a cultural time machine, love letter, and political statement, all wrapped into an electrifying live show.

On Friday, July 11, thousands of Puerto Ricans packed the Coliseo to witness the kick-off of “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí,” a residency named after a lyric that perfectly sums up the emotion of the evening: “I don’t want to leave from here.”

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, opened the show with an unreleased bomba track, surrounded by dancers in traditional jíbaro clothing, backed by live barriles and folkloric rhythms. From the jump, the message was clear that this isn’t just a tour, it’s a tribute.

Puerto Rico Showed Up

The crowd roared, danced, cried, and sang as Benito glided through an ambitious 30+ song setlist that fused perreo with plena, club with culture, and nostalgia with national pride.

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Fans were treated to an unforgettable mix of his biggest hits, including “Tití Me Preguntó,” “Me Porto Bonito,” and “Callaíta,” emotionally rich deep cuts from his newest chart-topping album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” (“I Should Have Taken More Photos”). He also highlighted social and political tensions on the island with songs like “El Apagón” and “Pitorro de Coco,” the latter introduced by a dramatic cuatro solo played from the top of a massive mountain-shaped stage.

Jacobo Morales made a cameo, and LeBron James also appeared. Pedro Capó sang “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii”, and dancers swirled under a flamboyán tree. The vibe shifted between house party, protest, and Puerto Rican festival at a moment’s notice.

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By the time Bad Bunny closed the night with “La Mudanza,” the crowd was singing as one: “Yo soy de P f*cking R.” 

Puerto Rico Gets First Dibs 

Bad Bunny made the first nine shows of this 30-date residency exclusively for Puerto Rican residents in a rare move that speaks volumes about his priorities. No tourists. No outsiders. Just the people who made him who he is. After that, global fans will get their chance, but for now, it’s local love only.

Tourists are still welcome, and they are coming. Hotel bookings soared after the January announcement, with some places fully booked six months out. Discover Puerto Rico estimates the residency could generate over $200 million in economic impact; they even say that number is conservative. Flight searches jumped 12%. Job creation is booming. It’s an economic engine.

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Lyft also celebrates offering discounted rides to and from Bad Bunny’s summer residency. Through July 27, fans attending the residents-only concert can use promo code ACHOPR to get 60% off two Lyft rides, making it easier to get to the show.

Music, Message, and Memories

This residency feels like the spiritual follow-up to “Un Verano Sin Ti,” but deeper, heavier, and more grounded. “Debí Tirar Más Fotos is soaked in nostalgia, and Friday night delivered on its promise to “take more photos,” metaphorically or otherwise.

Benito, clearly emotional, paused mid-show to soak it all in, smiling out at the sea of fans. You could feel the gratitude and the weight of everything this moment represented. It was personal.

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While he asked the crowd to put down their phones during “Veldá” to live in the moment, videos still made their way to social media. One clip even caught his ex, Gabriela Berlingeri, dancing and vibing in the audience. 

A Cultural Reset, Benito Style

Bad Bunny is making a bold statement, with the U.S. notably absent from his tour route at this time. Instead, he’s chosen to focus his energy inward, toward Puerto Rico and Latin America, and in spaces where his roots are respected and celebrated.

Benito’s saying that culture matters, that reggaetón has folklore in its bones, and that going global doesn’t mean forgetting where you came from.

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The residency continues every weekend through September at the 18,500-cap Coliseo. Each show promises surprises, storytelling, and more moments for the books. If you’re lucky enough to be there,  take the photo.