Football is the world’s biggest sport and more books and articles have been written about this game than any other. When living in Spain, you realize just how much football is ingrained in its culture. When F.C. Barcelona won the league last Sunday, the largest “serious” newspaper in Cataluña dedicated its first 8 pages of the Monday edition to this event. Unthinkable in other countries. Let’s have a look as to why this could be.
For the casual observer, Spain as an entity is one of Europe’s oldest countries whose frontiers have been solid since centuries. Underneath this appearance however is a highly fragmented country where ancient kingdoms, religious factions and political movements have been involved in a power struggle that carved up the country in many “tribes” with their own customs and pride. The geography of the Iberian peninsula has condemned the people residing here to live together in one state (with the notable exception of Portugal) but it is an uneasy marriage.
This explains to a high degree the energy put into what represents the tribal interests: the local football club. F.C. Barcelona is “more than just a club” as the current slogan says. When Sevilla FCwon the Copa del Rey last Wednesday, the supporters of the other football club in Sevilla, Real Betis were crying from sorrow. Real Madrid likes to see itself as the representation of a glorious, unified Spain and has therefore become for many regional clubs the proverbial red cape to aim for.
It should be noted that football passion is not exclusively male; in fact, many women go to the stadium and support their club. Restaurants and bars are packed when a big game is on with both genders and all ages.
To proclaim your affinity with a club is saying a lot -according to Spanish culture- about who you are. Rafael Nadalis an avid Real Madrid supporter (also known as “Merengue”) although his uncle (and tennis coach) played himself for F.C. Barcelona. Prime minister Zapaterois a known “culé” which is the nickname for a F.C. Barcelona supporter. In Sevilla it says a lot about your family and social background whether you are a fan of Sevilla FC or Real Betis. Or in Madrid for Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid and the same holds in Barcelona where the rivalry between Espanyol and F.C. Barcelona is quite vicious.
There are at least four daily sports newspapers in Spain filled for 80% with football news. This is definitely more than just 22 guys chasing behind a ball. Next time you are in Spain -and why not to include a Spanish language course with Babylon Idiomas- go for a real full cultural immersion and go to the stadium or bar to watch a game. It is a fascinating experience.
Common (& very funny) mistakes when learning Spanish (pt2)
TERRAZAS DE VERANO EN MADRID
Common (& very funny) mistakes when learning Spanish (pt1)
Madrid’s Secrets – Secretos de Madrid
WIN a Kindle with the Babylon Idiomas 10year Anniversary Competition
