Photos: Bad Bunny look-alike contest in San Francisco’s Mission District

Hundreds of people gathered for a Bad Bunny look-alike contest at Mexican restaurant Tacolicious in San Francisco’s Mission District, three days before Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, where the Puerto Rican singer is set to headline the halftime show.

“We love the guy. He’s just awesome,” Ramona Soberanis said, who was born and raised in San Francisco. “He’s humble, he’s an artist — he’s us [Latinos].”

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, is coming off three Grammy Awards, including album of the year. In a defiant acceptance speech, the 31-year-old leaned into the microphone and said: “ICE out. We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.” 

Despite sparking outrage from President Donald Trump and his supporters in the lead-up to the big game, a diverse, young crowd showed up outside Tacolicious to demonstrate both their admiration for the singer, and pride in their roots.

“It’s something special to have a Brown artist who speaks his native language on a worldwide stage,” said Miguel Gallegos, a 27-year-old first-generation Nicaraguan American who dressed up to take part in the event. “As a child of immigrants, I really love to see people living their culture to share with the world.” 

The family-friendly contest was hosted by Mission Lotería, a group that supports Latino-owned businesses. More than 50 well-groomed contestants wore sunglasses, vibrant button-ups, blazers and kakis, while others drew beards on their faces with markers. Hundreds of spectators flooded the sidewalk, taking selfies and dancing in large groups. 

Abdul Bunny, a social media personality, stole the show with his close resemblance to the artist. He ultimately won the contest and a $100 gift card. Still, the night felt like a win to everyone, as young Latinos used the event to celebrate joy and their connection to reggaetón.  

For Nizar Benotmane, 25, who waited in line for more than an hour to enter the competition, the event was a chance to feel seen.

“Bad Bunny means representation. He means love. He means peace,” Benotmane said. “For the Latino community, it means everything to us, he’s making us shine right now.”