I recently had the opportunity to travel to Puerto Rico for one of my favorite artists, Bad Bunny, and his long-awaited residency — announced over a year ago. As a Puerto Rican, the excitement I felt went beyond just seeing a concert. This was history. It was the first of its kind, not only as a residency, but as a statement — an event designed to celebrate Puerto Rican culture while also bringing awareness to the realities of modern-day colonization on the island.

For those who may not know, Puerto Rico is a U.S. commonwealth, acquired in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. The island exists in a political paradox: Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, but they lack full political representation in Washington. Puerto Rico is part of the United States, yet distinctly separate, carrying its own deep nationalism while still tethered to the legacies of colonialism. More than a century later, the island continues to grapple with its political status and the weight of history in the Caribbean.

Against this backdrop, Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico residency became far more than a concert. It was a cultural and economic homecoming. By choosing to perform exclusively on the island — instead of launching a U.S. tour — Bad Bunny not only honored his roots but also gave back directly to his people. His decision avoided outside interference and made a powerful statement of cultural pride. For Puerto Ricans, it was a chance to celebrate our music, our land, and our identity — right in our own backyard.

The residency united generations through music, dance, and tradition. Beyond the performances, it had a massive economic impact, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for Puerto Rico’s economy and uplifting local businesses, from restaurants to artisans, far beyond the tourist hot spots. For me personally, being back home and seeing people from all over the world experience our culture firsthand was unforgettable. It was a reminder of who we are — proud, resilient, and endlessly creative.

And now, Bad Bunny is bringing this experience to an even wider audience. His residency will premiere on Amazon Prime tomorrow at 7:30 PM CDT, giving the world the chance to see and feel the energy of Puerto Rico. If you couldn’t be there in person, this is your opportunity to dance with us, to celebrate with us, and to understand a little more of what makes us Puerto Rican.

Don’t miss it.