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At the Roberto Melendez Metropolitan Stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia, football is not just a sport, but a fanatical ritual that is almost religious. This is the home of Junior de Barranquilla and one of the most passionate stadiums in South America. But if you come here for the first time, you may be shocked by the strange behavior of local fans - why do some people sprinkle salt on the seats? Why do some people chant at the goal? Today, we will uncover the secrets behind these superstitions and give you the most authentic survival guide for watching the game!
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1. Why do fans bring salt?
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At the Melendez Stadium, many loyal fans will sprinkle salt around their seats before the game, especially when the Junior team is on a losing streak. This custom originated from folk beliefs in the Caribbean:
Salt can drive away evil spirits: Locals believe that salt can purify negative energy and block the opponent's "bad luck curse".
Imitating witchcraft rituals: Similar to African and Caribbean voodoo traditions, salt is regarded as a protective amulet.
Psychological tactics: Opposing players may feel psychological pressure when they see home fans scattering salt.
Survival advice:
If you want to integrate into the local culture, you can bring a small bag of salt (but don't sprinkle too much, the security guards may glare at you).
If you think it's too exaggerated, at least don't laugh at the fans who scatter salt - they are very serious!
2. Other weird superstitions
"Watching the game without underwear": Some extreme fans believe that not wearing underwear on match day can bring good luck (not recommended).
Kissing the grass before the game: Some diehards will kneel down and kiss the grass at the edge of the field when entering the stadium.
No whistling: Fans believe that whistles will bring bad luck, so they cheer more with drums and shouts.
1. How to buy tickets?
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Official channels: Buy tickets through the Junior team's official website or Tuboleta (1-2 weeks in advance, key matches may be sold out in seconds).
Black market risks: There may be scalpers ("coyotes") outside the stadium, but the risk of fake tickets is high, and it is normal for the price to triple.
Best areas:
"Sombra Sur" (South Stand): die-hard fans area, the atmosphere is explosive but it is easy to get involved in riots.
"Preferencia Oriental" (East Stand): Family area, relatively safe, good view
2. Checklist for admission
ID (must be checked, photocopies are also OK)
Cash (poor signal inside the stadium, credit cards often fail to swipe)
Sunscreen + hat (the outdoor seats are so hot during the afternoon game that I doubt my life)
Earplugs (the fans' drums are over 100 decibels)
A bag of salt (now you know why)
3. Things you absolutely cannot do
1. Wear the opponent's jersey (unless you want to experience "special care")
2. Sit down in the diehard area to watch the game (be prepared to stand + jump for 90 minutes)
3. Yell "¡Hijo de puta!" to the referee (although locals also shout, but tourists may be asked to leave)
1. Pre-match carnival: La Feria del Fútbol
The "football fair" outside the stadium is lively 4 hours before the game:
Must-eat: Arepa de huevo (fried corn tortilla with egg) + Ice-cold Costeña beer
Must-buy: replica jersey (bargain to under $15)
Must-experience: dance to "El Pipón" (Junior's cheering song) with the fans
2. Post-game survival tips
Evacuation route: Check the subway/bus route in advance, and wait for more than an hour to get a taxi when the game is over.
Celebration/consolation:
1. If Junior wins, go to La Cueva bar to continue the party (where Hemingway went).
2. If you lose, avoid discussing the game unless you want to listen to a long conspiracy theory.
At the Melendez Stadium, football is more than a game - it is witchcraft, faith, and the spiritual sustenance of the people of Barranquilla. Bring your salt (and courage) and join the craziest football ritual in the Caribbean!