THE SOUND OF BAD BUNNY’S discography echoed down Valencia Street in San Francisco’s Mission District on Thursday evening during a lookalike contest for the singer that drew hundreds.
Abdul Bunny, a professional impersonator who flew in from Mexico, won the contest organized by local taqueria Tacolicious and community group Mission Loteria. He told a group of well-wishers that he was originally from Cali, Columbia.
“Thank you, I came from Cali to participate in this and this makes me so happy,” he said.
The event aimed to celebrate Bad Bunny’s upcoming performance in this Sunday’s 2026 Super Bowl halftime show.
Posters appeared across the city calling fans to bring the “fits, the energy, and the sass.” Tickets were free, but they quickly sold out.
Organizers Luis Quiroz and Fiorella Monteza were excited so many people wanted to come together and celebrate the Latino community.
“It’s a lot of work to do this, but look at the turnout, it’s great,” Quiroz said.
Large crowds gathered along the sidewalk outside Tacolicious hoping to get inside, eventually wrapping around the corner several hundred feet away. Bike lanes and parking spots were full of people dancing to Bad Bunny’s music, many adorning colors of the Puerto Rican flag, red, white, and blue.
Several fans echoed the excitement to celebrate someone they believe was representing their culture in a positive way, while others hoped the real singer would make a surprise appearance.
“I love what he represents. I love his humility,” said San Francisco resident Ramona Soberanis, wearing a jersey decorated with references to the singer. “I love that he came from humble beginnings, just like a lot of us did, and made his culture into his art. He’s just amazing for what he’s done and what he represents.”
Inside the restaurant were Bad Bunny-inspired drinks, food items, and a small marketplace run by Mission Loteria.
Before a winner of the contest was decided, attendees played the traditional Mexican game of loteria — similar to the game of bingo.
Contestants wore outfits ranging from bold and bright to subtle and mysterious. For some, becoming Bad Bunny meant having unique sunglasses and dark facial hair.
“I didn’t expect so many Bad Bunnys,” said contestant Samuel Ramirez behind sunglasses resembling the style of the singer. “The only way there is a clear winner is if he actually shows up.”
He did not show up.