In the historic display of Caribbean influence, the Dominican Republic occupied a central role at Super Bowl LX through high-profile fashion, direct musical tributes, and a standout opening performance. While the halftime show was a celebration of Latino identity led by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, the cultural fingerprints of the Dominican Republic were woven throughout the spectacle, El Nacional highlighted in its covering of the half time event.
One of the night’s most talked-about moments occurred when Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance to perform a salsa rendition of “Die With a Smile.” For this global stage, Gaga moved away from her traditional gothic aesthetic to wear a custom creation by Raúl López, the Dominican-American founder of the brand LUAR.
López, who was born to Dominican parents and often draws inspiration from the streets of Santo Domingo and New York, designed a baby-blue, flamenco-inspired gown for the singer. According to HOLA! and Remezcla, the choice of a Dominican designer was a deliberate “love letter” to Latin culture. LUAR later stated on social media that the dress was created “for the culture and for all immigrants,” highlighting the deep connection between Dominican creative talent and the broader Latino narrative showcased at the event.
The Bad Bunny performance itself kicked off with a direct nod to Dominican heritage. The halftime show opened with Alexander Mercedes, a young Dominican man from La Romana, who appeared in a setting reminiscent of a sugarcane field filmed in San Pedro de Macoris. Holding a guitar, Mercedes delivered the opening lines: “¡Qué rico es ser latino! ¡Hoy se bebe!” (How wonderful it is to be Latino! Today we drink!). As reported by El Nacional, this moment served as the official bridge into Bad Bunny’s first track, “Tití Me Preguntó,” grounding the start of the historic set in a distinctly Dominican atmosphere.
The Dominican Republic was also present in the lyrical and visual landscape of the show:
• Song references: During the performance of “Tití Me Preguntó,” a song that famously references a protagonist with “many girlfriends” from various places, including the Dominican Republic, the spirit of the Caribbean’s shared “dembow” roots was front and center.
• Continental unity: In a political and cultural finale, Bad Bunny performed “Café con Ron” while backup dancers paraded flags from across the Americas. The Dominican flag was prominently displayed as Bad Bunny explicitly named the Dominican Republic during the segment.
• Artistic influence: Critics noted that the show’s emphasis on Caribbean resilience echoed the work of past Dominican and Latino icons, reinforcing the island’s role as a cornerstone of the modern “Latino boom” in the United States.
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El Nacional
El Nacional
10 February 2026