Thanks to this editorial, I just learned about the practice of celebrating UCSB soccer goals and wins by tossing tortillas on the field. To wit:
Here’s an opposing editorial on why tortilla tossing is great, which includes this gem:
Tortillas represent the Argentinian Cowboys, the Gauchos. It’s a feeling of who the Gauchos are, and that’s who we always try to be.
Ah yes, now I remember hearing tales of grizzled Argentine cowboys roaming the pampas, casting aside tortillas left and right, as tradition dictated.
Also, correct me if I’m wrong, but I have a suspicion that tortillas aren’t even common in Argentina. (A suspicion upheld by some two-bit web research)
What’s your take on this practice? Innocent fun? Worthless waste? Something in between?
Comments
8 responses to “Tortilla Tossing”
I’m really surprised they even allow that, not so much because of the waste, but because of the cleanup involved. I would think it would be a huge headache!
Waste is waste no matter what. What kind of society deliberately wastes food as part of a tradition? None that I know of with the exception of some during spiritual or religious ceremonies and even then it is done with respect for the plant (or animal)and only small amounts are used.
FG–I’m sure the students clean up the mess they create. Ha.
John–well put. So I’m guessing you’re not a big fan of La Tomatina??
The Hockey team sharks are throwing squids on the ice when they score so I gues tortilla are not so bad!
I suppose it’s all relative…But who knows, maybe those hockey dudes are feasting on calimari in the locker room after the game!
I found this site, brousing Martha´s page. I am an Argentinean living in Buenos Aires, and I can assure you that this practice has nothing in common with the Gauchos of our country.
Give them “boleadoras”, asado, crafted knives… the tortilla throwing practice is not the best way to cheer up a gaucho!
Let them have a nice asado, and throw the left over clean bones to the soccer field if you like…
It´s ironic; you don´t even name the game correctly (it´s football, not soccer).
Great Job
Great Job post