When it comes to a celebratory occasion, nothing seems to do the job like a good dousing. And when it comes to a good dousing, nothing does the job like a fountain. So it was natural that post-World Cup revelers would take their revelry to the fountain in Washington Square Park.
There is something a little gratuitous about a public water fountain, which suits a post championship triumph just fine, since, inevitably, something as monumental as Spain's first victory in the World Cup will necessitate some over-the-top behavior.
This celebration caught me by surprise, since I was not aware of the final championship game results. A group worked their way from Fifth Avenue into the park and were joined by others. Soon the park's central plaza became a sea of red and yellow, with chanting, flag waving and water play. See my photo gallery here.
There are celebrations which are primarily excuses to party - often the completely disinterested find it a perfect opportunity to engage in orgiastic debauchery with intoxication at its core. This was not one of those times. Extreme inebriation was the exception, not the rule, and the focus on the meaning of this event was obvious to all.
Outside the United States, winning a soccer cup takes on a significance unparalleled here - these are international championships in the world's most popular sport that take place only once every four years. It has been said that winning a cup can uplift the spirits and even boost the economy of an entire nation.
It is a joyous time for the victors, and here in our fountain, there and everywhere, Spain's cup runneth over :)
11 comments:
spain is welcome to the Worlds Champions Club. Brazil still the best.
Yesterdays' match was not the best game of championship football, but the best team won the tournament. Well played Spain!
Do you have more pictures of the moment in Washington Square? I was there and I would like to see if I am on any of the pics! It was great that you publish this pictures thanks!
great pics brian, good game indeed, spain dominated from the start of the ned vs esp game. i think everyone in south africa does not know what to do with themselves now that the worldcup is over. FIFA made about 3.2 billion dollars off it or so the media says, anyway, there has been a build up of xenophobia tension here in south africa since sunday night with heavy police presence in all the townships, hopefully it does not get out of hand again. llok forward to seeing more of your pics, regards r
Jong - Did you see the photo gallery link (in red) at my Flickr site? I also have other photos - it would be difficult however for you to look through them.
I looked at the Gallery yes, did not find any one, I was on a red dress with blue and yellow borders, waving a flag for a while. If you put some more on Flickr or send them to me that would be awesome. My address is parkswedding@gmail.com
Many thanks! Nice site!
If NY has their particulary party, imagine how was Spain! I couldn't sleep at all.
Spain turn crazy that night, no one can win a World Cup every day, and if it's Spain less possibilities!
ps. I have to say that I'm more excited when Barça win something.
Bien, exportando ilusiones.
saludos
que viva espanaaaa!!!!
Here in Spain I have known that even my dear Empire State Building was coloured with our colours that night, thanks!
I really like your blog :) This picture of everyone getting drenched is wonderful and made me smile. Really neat to see a world come together and unite for something like a sport. It's definitely a start :)
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