World Cup Fashions and Fervor

My Spanish friends claim Spaniards aren’t very patriotic. True or not, it’s hard to believe that when Spain participates in soccer–like during the World Cup these days.

Right now in Madrid lots of Spanish flags hang from balconies, adorn cars, or turn into fashion statements. Both men and women wear red T-shirts and drape their shoulders with the Spanish flag like a cape, or else wear it around their waist like a sarong. Cheeks and wrists are painted with the likeness of the Spanish flag.

Crowds of Madrileños gather to watch the games on large screens in the squares or on TVs in packed bars and family living rooms. Young fans yell and scream and sing and honk horns in waves of excitement even before anyone has played. Then, residential neighborhoods echo with jubilation at a goal scored by Spain or a great play, and groan in collective disappointment when Spain is robbed of glory.

Whether a show of patriotism or simply a deep love of the sport, sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference, but it’s a good time had by all nevertheless.