Bad Bunny has given Puerto Rico a 'new influence' on the world stage, proud fans say

The global superstar's 30-show residency in his native home and his focus on island culture, music and issues 'means everything' to Puerto Ricans in the island and the U.S. mainland.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — During the first week of Bad Bunny’s historic residency, fans sported outfits inspired by Puerto Rican folkloric culture, including straw hats known as “la pava” and traditional “jíbaro” attire, reflective of rural Puerto Ricans who worked on farms until the 19th century.

The fashion choice is a statement. It’s consistent with the theme of his 30-show concert series: “No me quiero ir de aquí,” which translates to “I do not want to leave here.”

The concerts bring to life the songs on Bad Bunny’s sixth studio album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” or “I Should Have Taken More Photos,” which the artist has dubbed as his “most Puerto Rican” album yet.

People hold a Puerto Rican flag outside the Coliseo de Puerto Rico on July 11.Ricardo Arduengo / AFP - Getty ImagesOn it, Bad Bunny sings of his need to stay in Puerto Rico and cherish its people and history. Most of the lyrics speak to Puerto Rico’s political realities and cultural legacy.

And for Puerto Ricans in the U.S. territory as well as those who live on the U.S. mainland, the focus on their beloved Caribbean archipelago is everything.