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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Fernanda Figueroa

Puerto Rico's flag is flying high this week. But who gets to hold it is complicated

Milan Cortina Olympics Skeleton - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Puerto Rico is making its mark this week on two monumental stages: the Super Bowl halftime show and — with a single athlete — the Winter Olympics.

Music and sport are among the island's few opportunities to wave its flag for the world to see. But the question of which people get to represent Puerto Rico remains a complicated one, tied up in its history, identity and status as a U.S. territory, rather than a full-fledged state. Reactions to the performances this week show the evolution of who is welcome to do so.

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