Bad Bunny Turns El Choli Into a Living Love Letter to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico didn’t just host Bad Bunny; it raised him, and now he’s giving back. The Puerto Rican superstar launched his highly anticipated “No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí” (Translation: “I Don’t Want to Leave Here”) residency this weekend. 

Held at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot (a.k.a. El Choli) in San Juan, he made history as the first artist to host a residency this large, at the venue seating 18,500 people. 

Over three hours, the artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio performs some of his smash hits, including “La Romana” and “Tití Me Preguntó,” and of course, almost all of the tracks off his latest album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. 

@cristinasollll nuevayoooool #badbunny #choli #puertorico #pr #fyp #foryoupage #pfknr #lebronjames ♬ original sound – cristina sol

The show opens on a small replica of a Boricua home, with Bad Bunny cycling through outfits created by local designer Yayi Pérez featuring guayaberas, pavas, and slick suits. He kicks off a show that celebrates his music, the island, and those who came before him. 

Channeling legends like Héctor Lavoe and Willie Colón, both mentioned in “Neuvayol,” he named numerous  Latino trailblazers, including Tego Calderón, Daddy Yankee, Ivy Queen, Don Omar, Wisin y Yandel, and Ñengo Flow – acknowledging, “This is all for you. For us.”

While the concert captures the true Puerto Rican spirit of family, community, and culture, the residencia goes beyond performance. It’s a testament to Bad Bunny’s commitment to his home, creating real change that resonates far beyond the arena.

people don't understand that we're witnessing one of the greatest performance of all time pic.twitter.com/vzg2nYof3S

— ࣪ (@S0LIA_) July 12, 2025

Economic Boost

The first nine out of 30 nights in Puerto Rico are reserved solely for the residents of the island. The other 19 are open to tourists, resulting in an economic boom for the once-bankrupt PR. Discover Puerto Rico predicts the residency is set to rake in at least $200 million with over 250,000 people visiting over the next two months. 

Jorge L. Pérez, general manager of El Choli, stated, “[This residency] will position Puerto Rico as a premier entertainment destination…It will open the eyes of visitors who have never come to Puerto Rico. It will create awareness of Puerto Rico as an entertainment and leisure destination.” 

Aside from the island as a whole, Bad Bunny spotlighted local food vendors serving traditional chinchorreo fare: pastelillos, alcapurrias, tostones, and bacalaitos, offering residents their everyday favorites while giving tourists an authentic introduction to Puerto Rican flavor.

Together, the residency’s structure and local partnerships reflect a clear priority: centering Puerto Ricans while inviting the world to experience the island on its own terms.

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE. HE. IS. INSANE.#NoMeQuieroIrDeAqui pic.twitter.com/dP9NURpVML

— cagna (@cagnastfu) July 12, 2025

Embracing Culture Through Turmoil 

Underneath the plena beats and mambo steps, “No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí” is a history lesson. Before the concert begins, facts about the island flash across the screen. 

“PR es un territorio no incorporado de estados unidos, pero tiene bandera, cultura, e identidad propia,” one screen read. (Translation: Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, but it has its own flag, culture, and identity.)

Other facts included, “Puerto Rico is an archipelago, not just an island,” and “San Juan is one of the oldest cities in the Americas. It was founded in 1521.”

Through his setlist, specifically in DTMF, he explores themes surrounding injustice, displacement, and gentrification. Particularly, in “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii” (What Happened to Hawaii), he sings that the current displacement caused by rising costs, natural disasters, and the energy crisis happening in PR could force a loss of its identity. Through lyrics, visuals, and voice, he warns of a future where the island’s soul risks being sold off, unless it’s protected by those who call it home.

@modopeboy LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii #badbunny #debitirarmasfotos #loquelepasoahawaii #dtmf #badbunnypr #puertorico ♬ original sound – Carlos

Bad Bunny’s commitment to Puerto Rico isn’t new; through past hurricane relief efforts and the Good Bunny Foundation, he has consistently found ways to uplift the island both on and off stage. 

Additionally, in a time when political tensions are heightened for the Latino community, the artist continues to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk. After the residency closes in September, he will embark on a global tour, visiting countries all over – except the United States.

When asked about this omission, he simply stated, “It’s unnecessary.” 

In both his lyrics and his actions, Bad Bunny draws a quiet line in the sand, reminding the world that Puerto Rico isn’t just his stage, it’s his cause.

@stellaysalo

♬ original sound – Stella y Salo

A Concert That Feels Like Home

Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico residency is already causing a frenesí. Though it’s only just kicked off, fans have flooded social media with videos of Bad Bunny giving it todo (everything), dancing, sweating, crying, connecting. 

During “Baile Inolvidable” and “La Mudanza,” he got visibly emotional. This isn’t just a concert, it’s a homecoming. 

@jfuentes.g We made him cry… He’s from P FKN R! LA MuDANZA. #BadBunny #nomequieroirdeaqui #DTMF #FYP @Bad Bunny ♬ original sound – jfg

From the choreography to the stage design to the little nods only Puerto Ricans would catch, everything about this show is layered with intention. There’s nostalgia, pride, and a sense that we’re witnessing something bigger than music. And fans know it. 

Every clip, every tweet, every “yo lloré” TikTok is part of the experience now. Whether you’re in the arena or watching from your phone, one thing’s clear: he’s not just performing, he’s honoring.

So, Bad Bunny didn’t just come home – this time he brought the world with him.