Carnival drums set the scene for a surprising triumph over the league leaders that was more than just luck.
“There was a little magic in the atmosphere,” Pellegrino Matarazzo remarked. Real Sociedad’s new coach could feel it; the sound of drums echoed through every street of the city he has embraced and into the stadium that has already welcomed him warmly. Upon arriving at Anoeta on Sunday evening, he and his players passed through a guard of honour, with soldiers and chefs lined up in the rain, fervently playing the club anthem and holding onto hope. By the time they left around midnight, along with 35,346 fans into San Sebastián, it had truly happened. La Real had defeated Barcelona 2-1. Celebrations, as stated by his captain Mikel Oyarzabal, commenced a day early.
This week marks tamborrada, the San Sebastián festival where, at midnight on 20 January, the city flag is raised and marching bands traverse its streets in Napoleonic uniforms and cook’s costumes equipped with sticks, batons, and oversized cutlery, with routes meticulously planned and special supplements included. Initially a lighthearted imitation of a military parade, it served as a prelude to carnival, with practice sessions resounding in the days leading up, children first, adults following. A display of civic pride, they sing of “spreading joy,” being “always happy,” and indeed they were happy now. What better way to kick it all off than this? What better way to become one with them?
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- Source: SCCGManagement.com