HIGHWAY TO POA
The opening ceremony and first match of the 2014 World Cup at the FIFA Fan Fest in Porto Alegre were both marked by social protests, cultural diversity, people from all nations, as well as a familiar environment while the city gathered to see the “Verde-amarelo” team play.
The Opening
Mexico vs Brazil
Brazilian and Mexican friends gathered to watch their national teams play in the World Cup. The strong rivalry between both great teams remained on the pitch however, as friendship and joy overcame the outcome of the soccer game.
Orange Square
The public market and the Borges de Medeiros Avenue sheltered thousands of Dutch fans that travelled to Porto Alegre, Brazil with the sole purpose of supporting their team through the well-known “Orange Square”. The streets were coloured orange for as long as 4 km, as people wore typical costumes and painted their faces in the national colour.
Midnight Picnic with the Chefs
A midnight picnic was organized in a local park of Porto Alegre with gourmet chefs providing the food. The aim of this event was to recover public spaces from the fear of crime, enjoy an 'alternative social event and receive donated clothes and blankets for those in need.
Australian Fanatics
Can you imagine travelling to the 2014 World Cup to watch your national team? And besides this have the awareness and kind-heartedness to organize an event aimed at helping poorer areas of the city? Well, the Australians did it here in Porto Alegre. They matched up against a local soccer team of retired Brazilian soccer players to provide some entertainment and this is what happened.
"In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality."
Alfred Stieglitz
GALLERY
There was a great deal of expectation surrounding the arrival of thousands of Argentinians that travelled to Porto Alegre to support their national soccer team. After the 90 minutes the streets, the restaurants, the FIFA Fan Fest and the entire city were painted in white and blue.
Argentina vs Nigeria
Acampamento Farroupilha
Acampamento Farroupilha is a space where the visitors can find thematic activities, souvenirs, music, food and drinks native to this region of Brazil. It was set up specifically during these winter months for the World Cup, to show to the thousands of foreigners who visited Porto Alegre, a little bit of the gaúcho culture and the traditions that exist in the region of Rio Grande do Sul.
Free Walk POA
Everybody in the world has heard about the hot dog, but in Brazil it has a special twist. Named Cachorro Quente it's prepared with soft, sweet bread, corn, peas, batata palha (miniature French fries) and many other ingredients. It's the perfect fast food for the common citizen in a rush because it's cheap and tasty.
Cachorro do Bigode
A group of friends gather every Saturday to lead a tour of the city centre and some close historical neighborhoods in an interesting, informal manner, and best of all: it’s completely free. Anyone who wants to know a little bit more about the history of the city of Porto Alegre cannot miss the opportunity to participate in this fascinating and entertaining tour.