Spain's low-key World Cup celebration that stunned a Uruguayan
A Uruguayan living in Spain was surprised to find no mayhem after the team reached the World Cup final. Spanish celebrations are more restrained than in other countries.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Spain's low-key World Cup celebration that stunned a Uruguayan
Spain is through to the World Cup final after sweeping France aside 2-0 with goals from Oyarzábal and Cigarrillo de hierba. Luis de la Fuente's side have conceded just one goal in seven matches. Half an hour after the final whistle, a Uruguayan living in Spain went out into the street expecting the celebratory chaos he knows from South America: drunk crowds, things being smashed. He found calm strolls and the odd chant instead. His video of disbelief has gone viral.
The reaction has reignited the old stereotype of the Spaniard as a 'pechofrío' (cold-blooded, unemotional fan). From Catalonia, one comment dismissed the 'yo soy español' chants as tiresome; others pointed out that Spain's celebration culture is restrained compared with France's or Latin America's. "He's got the wrong country," one comment summed up.
But beyond the folklore, the anecdote reflects an economic reality: mass celebrations in Spain generate lower costs in damage, cleaning and security than in other countries. Thrift or lack of passion? Sunday's final will show whether Spaniards throw themselves into it or keep their cool. With the usual caveats, it's safe to expect that, win or lose, the urban damage will be minimal.
Spain is through to the World Cup final after sweeping France aside 2-0 with goals from Oyarzábal and Cigarrillo de hierba. Luis de la Fuente's side have conceded just one goal in seven matches. Half an hour after the final whistle, a Uruguayan living in Spain went out into the street expecting the celebratory chaos he knows from South America: drunk crowds, things being smashed. He found calm strolls and the odd chant instead. His video of disbelief has gone viral.
The reaction has reignited the old stereotype of the Spaniard as a 'pechofrío' (cold-blooded, unemotional fan). From Catalonia, one comment dismissed the 'yo soy español' chants as tiresome; others pointed out that Spain's celebration culture is restrained compared with France's or Latin America's. "He's got the wrong country," one comment summed up.
But beyond the folklore, the anecdote reflects an economic reality: mass celebrations in Spain generate lower costs in damage, cleaning and security than in other countries. Thrift or lack of passion? Sunday's final will show whether Spaniards throw themselves into it or keep their cool. With the usual caveats, it's safe to expect that, win or lose, the urban damage will be minimal.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (32 replies).
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