Bad Bunny Bids Farewell to Puerto Rico with an Epic Final Concert: A Historic Residency Celebration

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Recently, Bad Bunny brought a powerful message back home to Puerto Rico, reminding everyone of the island’s resilience as the anniversary of Hurricane Maria approached.

His concert wasn’t just a show; it was a reminder of what it means to be Puerto Rican. “We’re not going to quit. The entire world is watching!” he declared, resonating with a crowd that made their voices heard far beyond the venue.

Over the years, Bad Bunny has transformed music into a movement, and his performances reflect deep ties to his culture. The recent concert was the grand finale of a historic 30-show residency that celebrated their identity while shining a spotlight on ongoing struggles.

The date marked eight years since Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm, causing extensive devastation. As many as 2,975 lives were lost in the chaos that followed, leaving many without power for long periods. Even today, frustration persists regarding the slow pace of reconstruction, as many areas still experience power outages. According to a recent report from the U.S. Office of Inspector General, about 92% of approved projects to fix the electric grid remain unfinished. They also noted that $3.7 billion in allocated funds have not been used effectively.

At the concert, the scars of that day were evident. Many wore T-shirts with the names of those lost, while others gracefully waved Puerto Rican flags, celebrating their survival and resilience. Marta Amaral, 61, said, “We carry the trauma, but tonight is about celebrating that we are still here.”

During the show, Bad Bunny brought out unexpected guests, including iconic Puerto Rican artists. The crowd erupted when Marc Anthony surprised everyone by joining him on stage to sing “Preciosa,” a song filled with love for Puerto Rico.

While excitement filled the air, not everyone could join in the fun. Darlene Mercado anxiously searched for tickets, hoping to celebrate her birthday and her recent victory over cancer. Sadly, she was turned away after waiting for hours.

The concert attracted about half a million attendees and is estimated to have generated around $733 million for the local economy, according to a Gaither International study. Most fans came from nearby countries, with the majority of attendees being women around 33 years old.

As the concert wrapped up, Bad Bunny expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m going to miss you a lot,” urging fans to hold onto love and connection. This resonated deeply with many in the audience who still feel the lingering effects of the tragedy.

After three exhilarating hours, the fans left the venue and chanted, “Yo soy boricua!”—a proud declaration of their identity. Moments like these reinforce the unity and resilience of Puerto Ricans, even amid struggles.

For more insights into the ongoing situation in Puerto Rico, check out the U.S. Office of Inspector General’s report on the state’s recovery efforts.

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