HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -- While the New England Patriots lost last night’s big game, the night was still a win-win for many. Not only did the Patriots play in the game, but Grammy Award Winner Bad Bunny, and the guests he brought along with him, stole the show during halftime.

The event sparked praise and joy across the local Puerto Rican and Latin American community. Western Mass News got the chance to speak with some people in Holyoke, learning what this moment meant for them.

“Everything was beautiful and perfect, and I think it was amazing for the world to see that,” Holyoke resident Alexy Rodriguez tells us.

Those we spoke to over at Old San Juan Bakery on Monday say they are overjoyed by Sunday night’s performance. From baked bread to pastries, when customers stop by this bakery in Holyoke, they get to enjoy a taste of Puerto Rico.

Inside the bakery, big game decorations are still up, including pastries that have football and Puerto Rican flag picks in them. While those in the community say they are sad about the pats not winning the game, the halftime show brought some spirits up.

Rodriguez goes on to tell us, “Bad Bunny’s performance was 1000% great, so it was excellent...I was very impressed with all of the superstars that were there, and the message they gave to the world.”

The show featured Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, and most of all, brought forth the message of togetherness, showing how beautiful Puerto Rico and its community really are. One Holyoke resident says the key word that everyone should take away from this moment is unity.

“He did unity (by having) different countries and put in the flag. He put in the music (and) he put in the style. Sometimes, people don’t like the style but know the style. It’s the community,” Jose Negron tells us.

He hopes that this performance makes people of all backgrounds want to visit Puerto Rico and embrace the culture even more.

The photo seen below was one shown on the Levi Stadium video board, reading: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”

Negron tells us he loved the walking grass and how the performance brought their culture to millions of people. At the end of the day, he and Rodriguez think there is something for the entire country to take and learn from this one-of-a-kind performance, saying, “Every person in Puerto Rico is a family. And I’d like to invite people to come to Puerto Rico because Puerto Rico knows only tourists.”

“Enjoy every part of Puerto Rico. From the beaches to the food to just the culture and everybody. And everybody gets along with everybody,” Rodriguez continues.

Those we spoke with hope this moment sparks a trend in more Puerto Rican and Latin American representation at other big sporting events down the road.

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