Jubilation in the streets of Barcelona

From Spotify Camp Nou to Arc de Triomf, the streets were lined by thousands of joyous supporters as the FC Barcelona men's and women's teams celebrated their respective Liga titles with their fans throughout the city centre. 

They set off from the stadium forecourt, and after posing for a group photo, the open top bus parade wended its way down Arístides Maillol, Travessera de les Corts, Carrer Numància, Carrer Berlín, Carrer París, Carrer Balmes, Carrer Pelai, Plaça Catalunya, Carrer Fontanella, Passeig de Sant Joan and finally Arc de Triomf, with hordes of blaugrana clad fans all the way. People of all ages sang the full Barça repertoire in unison, from Un Dia de Partit to the club anthem, and naturally with plenty of cries of Campions and Campiones in between. 

Blaugrana floods the city

Fireworks, confetti, flags... at street level and up on the balconies, the city's most famous landmarks for once were not the focus of the cameras. All eyes were on the buses. The first, featuring Estrella Damm, the club's global partner, had a DJ to get everyone in the party mood (as if they weren't already!). Then came the men, with the tag-line La Liga is ours. The future too. And bringing up the rear was the women's team, whose own banner read We play together, we win together. The same slogans were emblazoned across the shirts that the players donned for the occasion. 

All that was missing was the sun, which refused to put in an appearance this Monday, although several of the players sported sunglasses anyway. And also caps from the Barça Fest Collection, as well as plenty of Barça scarves. The players themselves had brought props of their own. Raphinha was proudly draped in a Brazil flag, a particularly joyous looking Araujo had the flag of Uruguay, and even Pedri had the colours of his native Tegueste. There was dancing too, with Kessie and Lewandowski especially keen to display their ability to boogie.

Araujo: 'I've never experienced anything like this'

“It's so nice to spend this time with the people" said Ter Stegen. “I hope to enjoy many more experiences like this” added Araujo. “We are so grateful to the fans, they have been ten out of ten all season. We'll see you in Eindhoven” beamed Alexia. “There's a great relationship with the fans and we hope to bring them a lot more joy" said Aitana. 

People wanted to get pictures of the players, but the players also wanted to get pictures of the people. Three hours it lasted, but there were never any signs of tiredness. Moments like these don't come around so often, and they are moments to be cherished. Three wonderful hours of pure celebration, and a reminder of why these players, this club and this city are so very, very special.