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!
