A couple of weeks ago we were in the small town of Salento, in Colombia’s well known “Coffee Triangle”, when Colombia’s national team won 2-1 against Cote d’Ivoire in the FIFA World Cup.
If I hadn’t had a context, just by walking the streets and observing how happy people where, I would have thought Colombia had just won the World Cup! I come from a very football loving country (Portugal) and, still, I had never seen anyone celebrate victory with the joy that Colombians do. Even if this was only a battle, and not the entire war.
For the rest of the day, this is what the pueblo of Salento looked like:
Salento celebrates Colombia's victory against Ivory Coast
Cars and cars of proud supporters made noise all over the place…
Colombia! Colombia!! Colombia!!!
Some rather watch from above
Happy people heading towards Salento's town square
The town square warms up for a party that shall last until the late hours of the night
Salento, even more colorful than usual!
In Colombia, on match days, EVERYONE wears the official jersey or, at least, yellow clothes. This includes airport crew, hotel staff, waiters and waitresses at restaurants and cafes and, of course, the general people roaming in the streets. Even Immigration officers at the airport and other people who’d normally have to wear a specific work uniform – isn’t that crazy?!
Fuerza Tricolor
Proud Colombians, you can tell…
I bet at least 1 of these 3 kids wants to be a footballer when he grows up
Right next to Salento's church
Partyyy
Everyone is pleased in Salento!
Chillin' after the match
Businesses wear the national colors…
… and so do the owners of the establishments!
If you’re not wearing the national colors, you’re not allowed in photos. If you try to be a part of the image, this is what happens…
No jersey = no photo!
Proudly supporting Colombia
Dogs are no exception. Colombia’s football craze transcends species…
Colombian dogs like football too!
Just a couple of days ago, we were flying from Bogota to Chile and, although the airline was Panamanian, the crew announced the results of the day’s matches. Colombia had won once again, this time 4-1 against Japan. People inside the plane cheered and applauded.
I don’t care much about football myself, but the energy Colombians exude as they celebrate is contagious and up-lifting.
This weekend Colombia played again, and won against Uruguay… I have a feeling we missed out on epic celebrations!
Go Colombia!
Buena Suerte!
Colombians really have football in their blood. I Love watching football myself, I’m a fan but I never go over the top by dressing up,or putting make up on my face etc… These are hard-core fans and surely up-lifting as you said :)
Oh yeah, Colombians take football very, VERY seriously! They love it and it’s impossible for it not to be contagious! :D
That looks amazing, Colombia is doing a great job, but I think the Dutch will take the world cup this year.
Yes, they are!
But I bet many Colombians would disagree with you on the winning part, hahaa! ;)
Incredible pictures that capture the passion for soccer in Colombia! I always love your posts and pictures…that’s why I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Find out more about the award here: http://www.bisbocciabroad.com/2014/07/blogger-awards-part-1-versatile-blogger.html
Many thanks for the nomination – we’re honored you thought of us for this! :)
Pingback: Cowboys & trout in Colombia | Backpack Me
Can really relate to this post. We’re from England – a football loving nation – but the response from the Argentinians when they won yesterday was crazy! It was like they’d won the whole thing! Everyone was out in the street, dancing, playing drums, having some kind of foam fight and letting off bangers. Everyone was dressed up and had their faces painted and like in Columbia, this included the d
IT’S COLOMBIA
Posted too quickly! Was trying to say: this included the dogs!
I hope the world cup “stays” in South America.. these guys celebrate like no one else in the world!! ;)
Pingback: Colombia’s World Cup Passion – Do You Have Yellow Fever? | see something
Awesome shots! Would love to be in Columbia right now! Must be insane. Cheering for them from Canada.
Shaun
http://www.thislifeintrips.com
Tomorrow Colombia is playing against Brazil… I predict a very HOT match!! ;)
My Colombian friends have been going mad on Facebook for the past couple of weeks!! Looks like lots of fun!
Pingback: I know I am in Latin America when… | Backpack Me
Pingback: Colombia’s World Cup Passion – Do You Have Yellow Fever? – See Something