California Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed Sunday, February 8, 2026, as “Bad Bunny Day” across the state in recognition of Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny’s scheduled performance at the Super Bowl LX halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The announcement was made on social media, where Newsom praised the Grammy-winning superstar’s music and cultural impact, describing himself as a fan of the Spanish language and of Puerto Rico ahead of the big game.
Newsom’s declaration coincides with Super Bowl LX, featuring a matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, and marks the first time Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show with a primarily Spanish-language set, following his historic run at the 2026 Grammy Awards and widespread global success.
The governor’s post, written in a tone that resonated widely online, also drew attention for its playful jab at political figures opposed to Bad Bunny’s performance, reflecting broader cultural and political conversations surrounding the halftime show.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, expressed earlier this week his enthusiasm for the upcoming performance and the opportunity to bring his cultural heritage to one of the world’s most-watched entertainment stages. Pre-game festivities for Super Bowl LX include performances by artists such as Green Day and Charlie Puth, with the halftime show to be broadcast live on NBC and streaming platforms.
As festivities unfold across California and beyond, “Bad Bunny Day” stands as both a celebration of the artist’s influence and a focal point in discussions around representation, language and music on one of sport’s largest stages.
