Colombia's banderazo celebration planned for Burrard Street ahead of World Cup showdown

Starting at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 6, Colombian fans were set to celebrate with a banderazo—a legendary pre-game party—on Burrard Street in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel where Colombia's national team is staying.

The banderazo is a celebration of Colombian culture and national pride, featuring singing, drumming, flag waving, and salsa dancing. The Fiebre Amarilla, the fan group that travels to every World Cup game to support the Colombian team, has been organizing the event and hyping it on social media.

Lara Matallana, who came from Toronto to help organize the banderazo, emphasized the event will follow local rules. "Absolutely no fireworks," she said. "And there won't be anyone dancing on rooftops." She encouraged attendees to wear yellow shirts and maintain respect for the community.

Naydely Martinez, president of the Colombian Canadian Association, has been working behind the scenes with police and FIFA leaders to ensure the positive spirit of Colombian soccer culture is celebrated during the banderazo and the march to the stadium.

"To have this game in Vancouver is something unbelievable for us," Martinez said. "We have a culture of soccer in Colombia. It is played on every street, by every kid, and watched by every family."

Colombia faces Switzerland in the World Cup Round of 16 on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at BC Place.