Embrace the Spirit: Be the Grass, Honor the Legacy.
The Allure of the Iconic Green: How to Transform into Bad Bunny's Sugarcane Grass
Imagine hearing the call: 'Become Bad Bunny grass.' This invitation extended to a select few hundred fans for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime show wasn't merely about wearing a costume; it was about embodying a profound cultural statement. Bad Bunny's performance was a heartfelt tribute to Puerto Rico and the Americas, featuring vibrant elements like the piragua stand and traditional casita, all woven together with a message of unity and affection. The sugarcane grass, a seemingly simple prop, was in fact a central symbol, meticulously chosen to connect with the island's rich yet complex history.
The Sugarcane Story: A Symbol of Heritage and Resilience
The significance of sugarcane to Puerto Rico is deeply rooted, once serving as the backbone of its economy. However, its history also bears the scars of colonialism, representing exploitation and profound shifts that continue to shape the region. For the performers donning the grass costumes, this wasn't lost on them. Sam Giacometti, hailing from San Francisco, stumbled upon the casting call on TikTok and vividly recalls the production team's emphasis on the cultural weight of their attire. The grass, he was told, was personally selected by Bad Bunny himself, signifying its deep personal and cultural resonance.
Rigorous Preparations: The Path to Becoming Part of the Show
The journey to becoming a part of Bad Bunny's living landscape began with a straightforward application process. Prospective 'grass' performers faced specific criteria: a height requirement (between five-foot-seven and six-foot-one), the ability to manage a 30 to 40-pound costume (the nature of which was only revealed later), and a basic understanding of formations, often linked to marching band experience. Giacometti and his fellow recruits received their confirmation within two weeks, signaling the start of an extraordinary commitment.
Mastering the Movement: Rehearsals and the Art of Stillness
Upon selection, hundreds of participants entered a series of intensive rehearsals. Their primary role as sugarcane grass was to maintain perfect stillness, ensuring they were always in the correct positions for every camera angle. This required precise coordination, including shifting out of frame to accommodate the dynamic dancers. The costume itself was comprehensive, comprising a balaclava, green sweatshirt, sweatpants, gloves, goggles, a Velcro tunic, and individual grass leaves. A dedicated team of 30 to 40 costume designers and wardrobe assistants facilitated the rapid transformation, highlighting the logistical precision involved. Despite the limited visibility from within the costumes, these rehearsals were crucial for flawlessly executing their choreographed roles.
Beyond the Glare: The Unwavering Dedication of the Performers
The production team underscored the importance of their roles, warning against the temptation to seek individual viral moments. Giacometti vividly remembers the message: any deviation would detract from the performance's powerful and uplifting message. The focus was to keep the central theme at the forefront, preventing any distractions from the grass performers from overshadowing the show's profound impact. This strict adherence to their roles reflected a collective commitment to Bad Bunny's artistic vision and the cultural narrative he aimed to convey.
A Night to Remember: The Super Bowl Halftime Performance and Its Aftermath
The performance unfolded flawlessly, a testament to the dedication of every participant. Giacometti shared that each individual embraced their part with seriousness, driven by a desire to honor Bad Bunny's artistic integrity. Once the show concluded and the non-disclosure agreements were lifted, many of the 'grass' members took to social media to share their incredible, once-secret experiences, extending the celebration. Posts from dancers like Humberto and family members of participants, such as Carolina Elizabeth and TikTok user Emma, quickly went viral, capturing the unique pride of being part of the 'Benito Bowl.'
Well-Deserved Acclaim: Recognizing the Unsung Stars
Spectators and media outlets alike were quick to praise the 'grass people' for their unwavering stillness throughout the high-energy performances of songs like "Tití Me Preguntó" and "Nuevayol." Canadian sports broadcaster TSN humorously declared that the "toughest job at Super Bowl goes to these guys for staying still all Halftime." Actor Jenna Bainbridge echoed this sentiment, wishing she could be "a blade of Bad Bunny Grass." When asked if the effort was worthwhile, Giacometti's response was unequivocal: "It was so, so worth it. We’d do it again in a heartbeat."