During the cultural and economic phenomenon sparked by Bad Bunny’s residency in Puerto Rico, a talented Boricua artist has turned this historic moment into an opportunity to connect with the diaspora through body art. From Carolina, Puerto Rico, Versa—the artistic name of Adriana Toledo—has created a unique experience that has captured the hearts of hundreds, including many Puerto Ricans living abroad, such as in Philadelphia.

“We wanted to create something small but permanent,” Versa explained in an interview with Impacto, referring to her tattoo project inspired by Puerto Rican cultural symbols and Bad Bunny’s residency. The idea emerged during the pandemic, when tattooing started as a hobby and quickly became her passion and career.

Together with her fellow artists, Versa designed a collection of “flashes”—sheets of pre-drawn tattoo designs—that pay tribute to Boricua identity. Among the designs are the Flor de Maga, a machete, a coffee greca, a domino tile, a traditional island home, and iconic Bad Bunny lyrics such as “While we’re alive, we have to live as much as we can.”

Each design was crafted not just as a work of art but as a symbol of belonging, memory, and cultural pride. For many members of the diaspora who travel to the island for Bad Bunny’s concerts, these tattoos have become living souvenirs, permanent reminders etched in their skin of their connection to Puerto Rico.

“The idea was for each person to get something unique, even if it was part of the same collection. We didn’t want everyone to leave with the exact same design,” said Versa, who also credits her creative collaborators Alejandra Bechela, Peo Bet, and B.

The project has received widespread attention—even from non-Puerto Ricans—which, for Versa, validates the global cultural impact the island is currently having. “It fills my heart to see people from other countries wanting to carry a piece of Puerto Rico on their skin,” she shares proudly.

Although Versa has not yet met Bad Bunny in person, her artwork is undoubtedly part of the cultural wave the artist has ignited. From her studio in Puerto Rico, Versa continues to tattoo memories, connect generations, and prove that with needle and ink, Boricua history is also written across the diaspora.