How the 2010 South Africa World Cup victory was celebrated here in Marchena
For the 2026 World Cup final, fences were set up around the Constitution Fountain (known as ‘fountain of the kid’) to prevent ‘vandalism’. When I saw this, I told myself I would post the photos from when we won the South Africa World Cup in 2010, so everyone could see how it was celebrated back then. Winning our first World Cup was an unprecedented, historic moment, and absolute madness broke out.
The fake trophy you see in the photos was made by my friend Manu and me.
In recent years, the Town Hall of Marchena, together with Radio Televisión Marchena, has been organizing a pre-campanadas party held a few days before New Year’s Eve. This event simulates the traditional New Year’s Eve “campanadas” (chimes). It is also a charitable event, as the proceeds from the sale of grapes are donated to an organization that supports Alzheimer’s victims. Lasting over five hours, it began at 5:30 PM and included performances for kids, artificial snow, a DJ, and at 10 PM, the “campanadas,” complete with fireworks. This year, the event was held in Plaza de la Constitución, in front of the child’s fountain. It is a fantastic initiative that brings joy and life to the town.
For those visiting from other countries who may not be familiar with Spain’s New Year’s Eve campanadas tradition, it is one of the most iconic rituals that unites Spaniards. As the clock strikes twelve midnight on December 31st in the famous Puerta del Sol square in Madrid, people eat one grape for each chime. This ritual symbolizes wishes for good luck in the coming year and brings families and friends together in a shared moment of celebration, joy, and hope. It ends with a hearty “Happy New Year!” and a toast with champagne, cava, or whatever each family prefers.
