MANAUS, Brazil — Deep in the Brazilian Amazon, locals and business owners are buzzing with excitement as the World Cup approaches.
Community members are transforming Rua 3, a downtown Manaus street, where an outdoor celebration fills the air with Brazilian melodies. Giant flags showcasing all 48 nations competing in the soccer championship have been painted directly onto the roadway, while matching banners made from paper and string create a colorful overhead display.
Local residents express their desire to gather under these decorations to view matches once the competition begins on June 11.
“The rain prevented us from finishing the work. But now summer has arrived and we can finish, complete the work calmly … and cheer for the national team,” said Aldri Tavares Castro, 42, a visual artist.
Young people are lending a hand with the project, scaling ladders to connect banners while others kick soccer balls on the pavement as tourists arrive to photograph and experience the festive atmosphere.
“The residents unite for a cause,” said Ezequiel Pedro da Silva Filho, 62, a school administrator and also the Rua 3 organizer. He and fellow Manaus community members plan to gather beneath the colorful display to watch Brazil’s World Cup competition, beginning with their opening Group C match against Morocco on June 13.
