The entry of the Georgian national football team into the European Football Championship marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Football, often referred to as the world’s game, transcends the boundaries of sport, becoming a potent symbol of national pride, unity, and cultural identity. In Georgia, this phenomenon is magnified as citizens gather in iconic locations and urban spaces across its cities to watch and cheer for their national team. In Tbilisi, venues like Stamba, Mtatsminda Park, Orbeliani Bazaar, Mziuri Cafe, and even Mikheil Meskhi Stadium are hosting live screenings of matches featuring the Georgian team. These events transform the city into a vibrant hub of communal celebration, uniting fans in a shared experience of excitement and pride.
However, communal football viewing transcends mere sports fandom. It stands as a profound cultural phenomenon, rich with sociological, cultural, philosophical, and political implications. By examining this practice, we uncover how it builds community, mirrors societal values, and serves as a platform for political expression.
Ritualistic Gatherings
Communal football viewing in urban spaces acts as a modern-day ritual, echoing ancient communal practices where people gathered to celebrate significant events. These gatherings are not merely about watching a game but are deeply rooted in the human need for connection and shared experiences. They reinforce social bonds and a collective sense of belonging, much like traditional rituals.
Collective Identity and Social Integration
For many, supporting a football team is an integral aspect of their identity. Communal viewing amplifies this, offering a platform for fans to express their allegiance in a shared space. Major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship elevate this experience, turning it into a national celebration. Furthermore, these gatherings often become melting pots of different socio-economic, ethnic, and age groups, promoting social integration and unity by transcending individual differences.
Urban Experience Enhancement
The transformation of city spaces for communal viewing events reimagines urban environments, creating vibrant social hubs. This temporary reconfiguration of public spaces enhances the urban experience, making cities more dynamic and engaging. It demonstrates the potential for urban spaces to foster community and cultural activities, contributing to the city’s social and cultural vitality.
Communitas and Liminality
Anthropologist Victor Turner’s concept of “communitas” perfectly encapsulates the essence of communal football viewing. This sense of equality and togetherness arises during collective experiences, temporarily dissolving social hierarchies and fostering a communal spirit. Turner’s notion of liminality is also pertinent here; football matches create a liminal space where ordinary social structures are suspended, allowing for a temporary escape from everyday life and a reimagining of social roles.
Aesthetic and Symbolic Experience
The act of watching football communally is an aesthetic experience. It is not solely about the game but also about the collective emotions, the shared cheers, and disappointments, which together create a rich tapestry of human expression. Additionally, football often serves as a metaphor for broader societal issues like struggle, triumph, and solidarity. Communal viewing amplifies these symbolic representations, turning the sport into a conduit for discussing and reflecting on larger themes.
Nationalism and Patriotism
During international tournaments, communal viewing spaces become epicenters of nationalistic fervor. These expressions of patriotism, while generally positive, can occasionally verge on exclusionary nationalism. This duality highlights the complex interplay between national pride and identity politics, underscoring the thin line between inclusive patriotism and divisive nationalism.
Public Space and Civic Engagement
The use of public spaces for communal viewing raises significant questions about urban planning and civic engagement. It brings to the fore issues of accessibility, inclusivity, and the management of public spaces, reflecting broader political dynamics. These gatherings often prompt discussions on the rights of citizens to occupy and use public spaces for communal activities, influencing urban policy and planning.
Protest and Solidarity
Communal viewing spaces can also become platforms for political protest and solidarity. Fans may leverage these gatherings to voice their opinions on various social and political issues, utilizing the large, attentive audience to amplify their message. This was notably seen during the Arab Spring, where football stadiums and viewing areas became sites of political activism, demonstrating the power of sport as a medium for political expression.
Globalization
The global nature of football means that communal viewing spaces are not just local phenomena but part of a worldwide network of fans. This interconnectedness reflects the broader processes of globalization, where local and global identities intersect and influence each other. The shared experience of watching football in communal spaces contributes to a global sense of community, illustrating how local practices are embedded within global cultural dynamics.
Communal football viewing in urban spaces is a rich, multifaceted phenomenon that offers valuable insights into contemporary society. It transcends the sport itself, serving as a lens through which we can examine cultural rituals, social dynamics, philosophical concepts, and political expressions. As such, it holds a unique place in the urban fabric, shaping and reflecting the identities and values of those who partake in it. This practice not only enhances the urban experience but also fosters a sense of community, belonging, and shared identity, illustrating the profound impact of football on society.
By Ivan Nechaev
