Colombian fans in Vancouver want the city to share their passion for their team, sport, and culture as they prepare for a crucial World Cup match. The banderazo, a legendary pre-game party, was set to begin at 6 p.m. Monday on Burrard Street in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where the Colombian national team is staying before their round of 16 clash against Switzerland at B.C. Place on Tuesday at 1 p.m.
Banderazo: A celebration of Colombian culture
For days, the Fiebre Amarilla — the fan group that follows the team to every World Cup game — has been promoting the event on social media. The banderazo is more than just a party; it is a celebration of Colombian identity. Organizers have urged participants to "represent our country well, leave everything clean, sing at the top of your lungs, and live this experience like never before."
The event offers Colombians a chance to support their team, express national pride, share their culture, and demonstrate their ethic of respect for others. Fans from the Fiebre Amarilla will lead singing, drumming, flag waving, and salsa dancing until the team emerges from the hotel to greet them.
Adapting traditions for Vancouver
Lara Matallana, who traveled from Toronto to help organize the banderazo, noted some differences from celebrations in Colombia. "Absolutely no fireworks," she said. "And there won't be anyone dancing on rooftops." However, core traditions remain: "You have to be happy, and you have to cheer for Colombia. And you have to wear the yellow shirt."
Matallana is following rituals to ensure her team's success. "We do a few things to manifest the win," she explained. "We wear the same shirt for the whole tournament. Some people don't wash it, because they don't want to wash the luck out." She ate arepas for breakfast and listened to the Fiebre Amarilla Spotify playlist, featuring songs like "Vamos Cafeteros" and "Sí, Sí, Sí."
One element she misses is the street food, such as empanadas, and the tables and grills that line streets in Colombia. "There are too many rules for that in Vancouver, and not enough space," she said, adding that Vancouver authorities have been cooperative.
Organizing for a positive spirit
Naydely Martinez, president of the Colombian Canadian Association and originally from Cali, has been working behind the scenes with police, Fiebre Amarilla leaders, and FIFA to ensure the banderazo and the march to the stadium on Tuesday maintain a positive spirit. The event aims to showcase Colombian futbol culture while respecting local regulations.
