During the week of September 20th, 2025, Puerto Rico showed up and showed out. Here are just three ways:
- ➡️ Bad Bunny’s historic concert, which ended his residency in Puerto Rico, was live-streamed across the world (Sept 20). If you were following this, you probably were going just as crazy as I was. (funny Instagram clip here)
- ➡️ The eighth anniversary of Hurricane María on the 20th. It coincided with the concert–an uplifting way to mark a devastating occasion.
3. ➡️ Grito de Lares (Sept 23), which I’ve never seen get so much coverage before in my life! See this blog post that I wrote about el Grito de Lares to learn more about it
In short: non-stop Puerto Rican media, pride, and history. 🇵🇷
Did you or your students miss any of this culture happening NOW? Even if you’re reading this post a few days or months later, keep going—because these themes are timeless and can help you love and uplift Puerto Rico in your lessons in an authentic way.
Teaching About Bad Bunny in Class?
Some academics haven’t bought into the “Bad Bunny craze.” His music and persona can spark controversy—raunchy lyrics, bold videos, and the sense that he doesn’t represent “all” Puerto Ricans. I’ve seen teachers flat-out say they won’t use him in class.
And I get it. Some of his songs are definitely mature.
But here’s the thing: Bad Bunny isn’t just a fad. I’ve followed him since 2016’s “Diles,” and while yes, he still has his club hits, his catalogue has grown to include activism, identity, and justice. His album Debí Tirar Más Fotos is packed with tracks that open the door to cultural and social justice conversations (I even wrote a post about that—🔗check it out here!).
🌟 He’s also using his global platform to fight for Puerto Rico: calling out systemic issues, uplifting communities, and celebrating identities. He’s not just a performer; he’s a cultural force.
No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí: Classroom Takeaways from the Residency
On September 20th, 2025, Bad Bunny closed his 30-concert residency in Puerto Rico with a live-streamed show, free on Amazon Video. Y’all know I was there for it with my Boricua hat and all (guys, I am not Boricua but I’m convinced that someone in my family is!!! 😂):
I watched the concert more than once and kept thinking: wow, there’s so much here for Spanish teachers.
So without further ado, here are a few classroom-friendly entry points for Benito + Spanish:
1. Highlights on Afro-Puerto Rican Culture
Drummers and dancers from Loíza filled the stage with bomba, a traditional Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance form. Imagine playing a short clip for your students, then asking: What do you notice about the rhythms, instruments, or clothing? What African influences do you hear? Extend it with a mini-research project on Loíza or bomba’s history.
2. Symbols of Puerto Rican Identity
From jíbaro hats to guayaberas, the stage was alive with cultural symbols. One breathtaking moment? Bad Bunny, accompanied by a lone guitar, singing beneath a flamboyán tree—a symbol every Puerto Rican knows. Set pieces of mountains, greenery, and “la casita” made the concert feel like el campo itself. Students can identify symbols, research their meaning, and even create an illustrated glossary of Puerto Rican cultural icons.
3. Diaspora & Belonging: “Those Who Stay, Those Who Leave”
The concert featured the sapo Concho, in conversation with Bad Bunny from a cold, distant place—contrasted with Bunny’s warm Puerto Rican setting. At one point, Bunny comforts him with: “Don’t worry, you’ll be back for Christmas.” This reflects the bittersweet reality of migration and longing. Teachers can use this as a discussion starter: What does “home” mean? How do people stay connected to their roots when they leave?
4. Passing the Torch: “Preciosa”
When Marc Anthony joined Bad Bunny for “Preciosa,” a love song to Puerto Rico, it felt like a symbolic handing over of cultural guardianship. Ask students to compare Anthony’s earlier version with Bunny’s performance. What’s similar? What’s new? Then explore: How do artists keep traditions alive while making them their own? (Fun Instagram reel to watch)
Wrapping It Up
Bad Bunny might not be everyone’s go-to artist for the classroom, but ignoring him means missing a huge part of Puerto Rican cultural conversation right now. By focusing on moments that are classroom-appropriate—like bomba, symbolism, diaspora, and “Preciosa”—you give students authentic, engaging ways to see Puerto Rico in all its richness.
And isn’t that the goal? To take what’s happening in the world—right now—and turn it into meaningful learning that reflects identity, history, and voice.
✨ Ready-to-go resources for your classroom!
Ready to bring Puerto Rico and Bad Bunny into your classroom without the extra planning stress? 🎶🇵🇷
I’ve pulled together ready-to-go activities and resources that spotlight Afro-Puerto Rican traditions, cultural symbolism, diaspora stories, and classroom-friendly music analysis. Use them as warm-ups, sub plans, or full lessons—your students will love the connection to today’s culture while diving deeper into authentic history.
