Noche de encendido navideño en Viejo San Juan

What does “bulla” mean in Spanish?

As the parade groups arrive at the Christmas lighting in Old San Juan, a voice shouts “una bulla, familia” to gather everyone. Here “bulla” is the happy roar of a crowd — music, voices, and movement all at once. Puerto Ricans and other Caribbean speakers use it for any loud, fun commotion. In the clip, picture a festive scene where people are gathered, excited, and noisy together.

Spoken line: “Bueno, bulla, una bulla, una bulla. Una bulla, familia.” (“Okay, a buzz, what a buzz, what a buzz. Come on, everyone.”) “bulla” is the loud, happy noise a crowd makes when people gather and have fun. It is very common in the Caribbean. Examples: - “¡Qué bulla hay en la calle!” — What a racket out in the street! - “Los niños arman bulla en el patio.” — The kids make a din in the yard. - “Hubo mucha bulla en la fiesta.” — There was a lot of noise at the party. Note: it can be positive (party buzz) or a complaint (too much noise), depending on tone. In Spain you might hear “jaleo” or “bullicio” for a similar idea.