It’s pandemonium in Colombia right now.
For the first time in 16 years, the national Fútbol team is playing in the World Cup.
On game day, no work gets done. But man-oh-man: there sure is a lot of celebrating!!!!
What’s the World Cup Like in Colombia
Although soccer isn’t my sport, it was impossible not to get caught up in the 2014 World Cup while traveling in Colombia.
Everywhere I looked, sidewalks were lined with tables and shopping carts; each selling the same yellow jerseys, hats, bracelets, horns, keychains and every other type of paraphernalia imaginable.
On game day, there’s a palpable energy of excitement and camaraderie buzzing in the streets.
Before kickoff, jersey-clad locals rush across town like a fast-flowing river of yellow, blue and red.
Then, when the opening whistle blows, all of Colombia comes to a halt.
Traveling During a Colombian World Cup Game
There was no avoiding it; I had to take a bus during the first 2014 World Cup game.
While loud staticy speakers broadcast every fast-syllabled word from the announcer’s mouth, our driver continuously honked his horn in delight.
On the street, passerbys joined the cacophony by cheering and blowing their own plastic horns.
Basically, a whole lot of noise: and nothing had even happened yet!
GOOOOOOOOAL!
What an amazing moment! A goal was scored, and the streets of Santa Marta erupted in cheers, horns, hugs and revelry.
Meanwhile, the bus helper leapt out of our still-moving coach and ran to a nearby bar to watch the replay on TV and high-five everyone in sight.
Upon returning, he proceeded to hang out of the door while blowing his plastic horn for the next few blocks.
It was pure joy. Everywhere.
Everyone Loves the Colombian Football Team
One of the most incredible aspects of World Cup football is that everyone in the country can root for the same team.
This means that inter-city or regional rivalries are eliminated; as strangers hug and high-five on the street with every goooooal.
Add in that the Colombia Fútbol Team hasn’t made the tournament since 1998 and you have a country reveling in a collective celebration.
Colombia Wins!! Colombia Wins!!
If you thought the noise was loud following a goal; just imagine it after the Colombia Football Team wins a World Cup game.
I was in Santa Marta after game 2 and watched as hundreds of people poured out onto the streets.
They jumped for joy, hugged each other, cheered as loudly as possible, waved flags, blew their plastic horns and made celebratory noise however else they could.
Every driver kept one hand on the wheel and the other on their horn; creating a symphony of one long note from every passing car.
Celebrating the World Cup in Bogota
A few days later, I was in Bogota after Colombia defeated Italy and advanced to the knockout round.
More amped up than ever, the fans added giant spray bottles of silly string to their celebration.
By the end of a long night of partying, every street was covered in white foam.
I can only imagine what it will be like when Colombia wins the entire World Cup!!!
Do you follow soccer/football?
Who is your favorite team?
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