California Governor Declares Super Bowl Sunday 'Bad Bunny Day'

Newsom celebrates Puerto Rican superstar's halftime show performance

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared Super Bowl Sunday as 'Bad Bunny Day' in the state, ahead of the Puerto Rican singer's highly anticipated halftime show performance during Super Bowl LX. Newsom, a self-proclaimed 'tremendous lover of the Spanish language and people,' expressed excitement over Bad Bunny's appearance, saying he wants fans to 'have fun' and 'enjoy' the artist's 'soothing, beautiful voice' and 'very nice looks.'

Why it matters

Bad Bunny's halftime show performance at the Super Bowl is a landmark moment, as the Puerto Rican reggaeton star continues to gain global recognition and cement his status as a music icon. Newsom's declaration of 'Bad Bunny Day' highlights the growing influence and popularity of Latin music and culture in the United States.

The details

Super Bowl LX will feature a matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. However, the real headline of the event may be Bad Bunny's halftime show performance. The Puerto Rican superstar, whose real name is Benito Martínez Ocasio, recently won the 2026 Grammy Award for Album of the Year and sold out a 31-show residency in his hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

  • Super Bowl LX is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • Bad Bunny is set to perform during the halftime show of the game.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who has declared February 9, 2026 as 'Bad Bunny Day' in the state.

Bad Bunny

The Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar, whose real name is Benito Martínez Ocasio, is scheduled to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show.

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What they’re saying

“I really want people to have fun. It's gonna be a huge party. I want to bring what people can expect from me, and a lot from my culture.”

— Bad Bunny (nbclosangeles.com)

“AS MANY PEOPLE KNOW, I AM A TREMENDOUS LOVER OF 'THE SPANISH.' IT IS A BEAUTIFUL LANGUAGE SPOKEN BY MANY BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE IN THE GREAT STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND ACROSS THE WORLD.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

Fans are eagerly anticipating Bad Bunny's halftime show performance, which is expected to draw millions of viewers worldwide and showcase the growing influence of Latin music and culture.

The takeaway

Governor Newsom's declaration of 'Bad Bunny Day' in California underscores the increasing mainstream popularity and recognition of Latin artists like Bad Bunny, who are breaking down barriers and representing their cultural heritage on one of the biggest stages in the world.