A tradition of decades in one of the most 'hot' neighborhoods in Lima

Since 1950, block 6 of Av. Parinacochas, located In the District of Victoria in Perumakes the clues rumble with greater intensity than in other days. But not because of the intense traffic of the Peruvian capital or for being one of the busiest roads, but by The euphoria of football lovers, who meet to enjoy a tournament that is celebrated every year and that has a very particular characteristic.

The enclosure that houses the matches of this competition is not a conventional stadium, much less has huge stands such as 'Alejandro Villanueva', where the Alianza Lima team plays, a few meters from the area, or the 'National Stadium' of the Peruvian National Team, which is also very close. The surface is concrete, which also supports the intense Lima heat during the morning hours.

It also has its own arbitral list, which throughout the day is protected by a hundred police officers, because the atmosphere is usually heated 'during each party. From very early, 16 teams prepare for a fair in which the blows and strong entries are the main dish. Attendees arrive with their own seat or rent some strategically located place so as not to miss any detail of each meeting. For the most 'wealthy', there are the 'VIP boxes', which are actually the balconies and roofs of the adjoining buildingswhich offer a better street view.

The most popular street tournament in Peru

The idea of ​​organizing a neighborhood football tournament began when Emilio 'El Negro Cheme' Chávez, Mario Chávez and Jorge Fallaresidents of the neighborhood of El Porvenir, were amazed by the 1950 World Cup And they transmitted that enthusiasm to their friends and family to create their own 'World Cup'. The first edition had 8 teams; Jorge Falla served as referee and the awards were a ball and a small amount raised among the participants.

Although in the beginning it was prohibited by the government of Manuel A. Odría, years later he obtained the Official recognition as a tournament by the municipal commune And, little by little, it has been evolving and organizing, thanks to the El Porvenir Neighborhood and Sports Association, founded in 1976. This tournament has also served as a seedbed for several professional players to start their career in this sport. Because more teams were added every year, it was decided to make previous rounds so that The first day of May the final phase will be played with all the classified.

For years, the residents of victory They take advantage of the holiday to meet in the asphalt and encourage their teams in one of the most 'spicy' neighborhoods of Limaaccompanied by good music, drinks, typical meals and 'male football', as its protagonists call it.