Tailgating is the classic game-day tradition in the US, but what do fans around the world do to celebrate? Grilling and sharing food before a game is fun, but are there other ways fans set the mood? Let’s look at how other countries get in the spirit and create a good atmosphere on game day.
It’s partly about having fun and partly about getting ready for the game. Many sports fans take their role seriously in showing the team what it means to them. Soccer is one sport where supporters find creative ways to celebrate, commiserate, and share their emotions.
Game-Day Traditions
Before a sports event begins, fans across the world like to gather. They wear their jerseys and enjoy specific food and drinks. It’s a ritual that some believe even brings their team luck. It also provides an opportunity for talking tactics. Discussing players, opponents, and strategy is also part of the experience.
These traditions give every fan the chance to share their passion for the sport and their team. Since they’re often collective activities, they bond communities, too. Most importantly, these rituals create an electrifying atmosphere. Let’s look at what fans from around the world get up to before, during, and after the game.
Popular Game-Day Traditions from Around the World
It’s not all about tailgates in the US. If you head to a campus, you could experience some specific college sports traditions. Many teams have rituals, from pep rallies like Midnight Yell to stadium-wide White Out events.
Soccer fans in different countries bring their passion and culture into the mix. From samba beats in Brazilian stadiums to Premier League club songs with long-standing tradition, no game looks or sounds the same. Travel to Italy, Germany, the UK, Iceland, and beyond to glimpse unique fan celebrations.
Flags and Banners: Tifo
In Italian, a group of fans is called tifosi. The flags and banners that they hold are called tifo. Lots of fans wave scarves, national, or club flags. However, the tifo concept takes it a step further. It originated in Italy and southern Europe but has quickly spread to other countries. In fact, the Seattle Sounders do it well.
These large-scale banners involve all the fans in the stand who create a kind of mosaic. Typically, they’re coordinated by fans or the club. Each supporter holds up their part to make one large image, such as the club crest or a jersey. It never fails to send a message in a big way and bring fans together.
Fan Culture
Germany is known for its strong fan culture. Part of it is the influence of fan ownership, which fosters a strong connection between supporters and teams, as is evident at Borussia Dortmund. Before matches, they get together to choreograph displays and organize chants. You’ll also see some of the largest fan flags at German games.
The UK also has a unique fan culture. Before a soccer match, you might see fan marches. Often, supporters will congregate in specific pubs. Some pubs are unofficially only for home fans, so away supporters had better gather elsewhere!
Chants, Dances, and The Viking Clap
European supporters know how to get the atmosphere going during the match. Chants are particularly popular in the UK, with international and club fans getting creative with players’ names. You’ll frequently see the Poznan celebration, too, where fans turn their backs to the pitch, link arms, and jump up and down together.
Icelandic fans perform the Viking Clap, which sends the sound of thunder around any stadium. Other countries know how to make a lot of noise in other ways, like the vuvuzela in South Africa. In South America, singing and rhythmic drumming, with repetitive lyrics and patterns of call and response, stand out. In countries like Ghana, celebrations usually involve a lot of dancing.
Watch Parties and Street Celebrations
When it comes to international tournaments, many European countries facilitate bringing fans together. It’s the closest thing to a tailgate but slightly different. They’re often street celebrations to welcome the victorious teams. Another common event is a watch party. These can be smaller gatherings hosted by fans.
More often, though, they involve public spaces with large screens. In the UK, you might see picnic tables or deckchairs made available. Local vendors provide food and drinks, enhancing both the atmosphere and the sense of community.