From Jíbaro Hats to Protest Imagery—We’re Unpacking Every Symbol in Bad Bunny’s ‘LA MuDANZA’ Video
Bad Bunny is at it again with his newest music video from his album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. The video for “LA MuDANZA” is filled with imagery and references to his family and the Puerto Rican spirit. The beginning of the video shows Bad Bunny’s parents leaving a hospital with a baby. As the video progresses, we are cued into a story of resistance and strength from the Puerto Rican people.
Bad Bunny celebrated his birthday by dropping a new music video
DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS is Bad Bunny’s love letter to Puerto Rico, and his music videos keep bringing new things to the masses. “LA MuDANZA” is no different. The song starts with a shout-out to his parents for meeting and growing their family. He thanks them for having him and instilling a love for Puerto Rico. It is a sweet tribute to the parents who brought him into the world.
This really hits home because Latine families are built around this kind of appreciation for our parents. We are constantly reminded of the sacrifices made to give us the life that we have. Our families also instill a strong love for our motherland from an early age. Who else remembers the nights that Mom and Dad sat us down to watch documentaries about the countries they fled?
But the video is more than an acknowledgment of his parents; it’s about Puerto Rican resilience
The real beauty in the “La MuDANZA” music video comes in the second half. Viewers see Bad Bunny running with a Puerto Rican flag as he is chased by men dressed in military clothing.
Bad Bunny speaks directly to the importance of holding the Puerto Rican flag in a historical context. In a lyric, he says, “Aquí mataron gente por sacar la bandera / Por eso es que ahora yo la llevo donde quiera, cabrón.” “Here, they killed people who took out the flag / Because of that, I take it anywhere I want now, bastard.”
The rest of the video is a treasure trove of historical nods to the resilience and determination of the Puerto Rican people. The drummer is shown wearing a Vejigante mask. It might seem like a cool flare, but the mask represents the African roots that run deep in Puerto Rico. The Vejigante comes from Spain, but it took on more meaning when it got to Puerto Rico.
“LA MuDANZA” is rich with symbolism and history
The mask evolved to include both African and Taino influences, which made it the colorful mask it is today. Its symbolism is important because it stands against imperialism and colonization. It is used to ward off evil spirits, and, tbh, it just makes so much sense right now.
The women in the final scene dancing are wearing traditional jibaro dresses. The jibaro fashion, also portrayed in Bad Bunny’s straw hat, is a sign of resistance and respect. The clothing uplifts rural Puerto Rican farmers and is popular for major events. It represents the cultural heritage that Bad Bunny has been uplifting throughout his album. Additionally, the straw hat placed on Bad Bunny’s head is associated with the Popular Democratic Party.
Throughout the final scene, black-and-white photos appear. They tell a story of Puerto Rican resistance in 1979. That year, Puerto Rico was under U.S. territorial control, and the Puerto Rican people were pushing back against the U.S. government.
Specifically, the people mobilized to protest several social injustices and the occupation of Vieques, an island off the coast of Puerto Rico, by the U.S. Navy. The people banded together both on the island and in Philadelphia to protest against police brutality and gentrification.
Bad Bunny is an artist who uses his platform to spread a message. He is a vocal advocate for political participation and shares the historical context around Puerto Rico’s fight. “LA MuDANZA” is the latest example of his ability to use art as a protest, and we love to see it.
