Victor Villa took his taco cart to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime show, marking a thrilling moment for both him and the Latino community. Known for Villa’s Tacos, based in Highland Park, Los Angeles, Victor started his journey selling tacos from his grandmother’s front yard. Today, he operates successful locations in Highland Park and downtown Los Angeles.
His taco business has gained impressive accolades, winning L.A. Taco’s Taco Madness championship three times—in 2021, 2022, and 2024—along with consistently earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for his famed quesotacos.
Cultural Celebration
Bad Bunny’s performance was a vibrant showcase of Latin American culture in the U.S. He took a moment to honor Spanish-speaking countries around the world. Villa made a memorable appearance during the opening number, “Tití me preguntó,” from Bad Bunny’s album “Un verano sin ti.” In a heartwarming segment, Bad Bunny interacts with both a piragüero cart and Villa’s taco cart, blending two beloved Latin street food traditions together.
A Grateful Moment
After the performance, Villa shared his gratitude on Instagram, calling the moment historic. He reflected on his eight-year journey from humble beginnings to making it on the Super Bowl stage. “I want to give a huge thank you to @badbunnypr for hand selecting me & allowing me to represent my culture, my family, and my business,” he wrote.
Honoring Immigrant Roots
As a first-generation Mexican American, Villa emphasized that his success highlights the immigrant experience. He dedicated this moment to the workers who paved the way for him, stating that Villa’s Tacos embodies their hard work and dedication. His celebration included shoutouts to Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the broader Latino community.
Interestingly, Villa’s story reflects a growing trend among Latino entrepreneurs in the U.S. Research from the Stanford Graduate School of Business shows that Latino-owned businesses have increased by over 40% in recent years. This growth underscores the significance of representation and cultural pride in today’s society.
Social media reactions have also been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising both Bad Bunny and Victor for celebrating their roots and traditions. Clips from the performance, shared online, have gone viral, sparking discussions about the importance of cultural representation in mainstream media.
This moment at the Super Bowl not only highlights Villa’s personal achievements but also serves as a powerful reminder of the rich tapestry of cultures that contribute to America’s identity.
