THE OLDEST FOREIGN PEÑA CELEBRATED A QUARTER OF A CENTURY

Carmen

June 30, 2025

THE OLDEST FOREIGN PEÑA CELEBRATED A QUARTER OF A CENTURY

What peña can boast of having blown out 25 candles? Very few. And which one can say it did so outside of Spain? Only one: the Peña Atlética de Gante, the oldest of all the Rojiblanco peñas abroad. If that’s not a reason to celebrate in a big way… then I don’t know what is.

That’s exactly what Filip Standaert, its tireless president, thought. After having to postpone their 20th anniversary because of a global pandemic (which is starting to feel distant, but still stings), there were no excuses: now it was time to celebrate, and to do it in style. And boy, did they ever.

Filip, with the excitement of a child and the determination of a captain, decided to spare no expense… and went all out on the theater too. He invited neighboring and distant peñas, and turned the foyer of the majestic NT Gent Sint-Baafsplein—an architectural gem in the heart of Ghent—into a true Rojiblanco museum. Even the facade was adorned with Colchonero flags, as if the spirit of Atlético de Madrid had settled in, ready to reign as Charles V once did… but with more passion and less armor.

The program began on Saturday morning with a guided tour of the city for the peña members who had arrived from all over. But the real fun started at 6:30 PM with welcome drinks. And as happens whenever the Rojiblanco family gets together, there were hugs that made up for lost years, reunions that bridged distances, unfiltered emotion, new friendships, and many memories that came flooding back.

The theater’s terrace offered a spectacular view of the cathedral. From below, passersby looked up, drawn by the Rojiblanco flags… and by the unmistakable aroma of paella being lovingly cooked up high. At 19:03, not a minute more, not a minute less—because when it’s about Atleti, even the seconds count—our anthem played. And then, yes: the party went into Champions League mode.

The peñas presented gifts to the host peña, languages mingled as freely as laughter, toasts were made with Belgian beer—which pairs surprisingly well with paella—and scarves and stories were shared as generously as hugs.

A commemorative video celebrating the peña’s 25-year history was shown. There was laughter, there were tears… and the odd sigh hidden behind a beer glass. But the most emotional moment came when Quentin, one of the most endearing members, read a poem he had written himself—on a typewriter!—dedicated to Atleti. The words gently touched everyone’s heart. A silence fell. And the lump in everyone’s throat was a collective one.

A copy of the poem was given to Juan Carlos Gaitán, who was there representing the club, with the hope that it might one day be part of the Rojiblanco museum. He responded with equally symbolic gifts: a team jersey with a number commemorating the occasion, a commemorative plaque, and words that sealed the bond between Atleti and its Flemish embassy.

Then came dessert. A beautifully decorated cake—the kind you feel bad about cutting but would feel even worse not trying—was presented with honors. Juan Carlos and Filip, in a moment worthy of a wedding album, made the inaugural cut amid applause and laughter. No one could resist the cake, nor the pastries that accompanied it. Because with Atleti, yes, you suffer, but you also sweeten life when the occasion calls for it.

And as always, there was Juliana, the mascot of the Peña Atlético de Alemania, with her paws firmly planted, her eyes attentive, and her scarf tied on securely despite the sweltering heat. She doesn’t miss a single corner kick, toast, or song. She’s one of the gang. Or better yet: she’s the one who never misses a thing.

This oldest peña is not just still alive: it’s stronger than ever. And it’s thanks to the commitment, passion, and heart of those who keep it going, carrying the name of Atleti with pride across Europe. They are pioneers. They are an example. They are family.

Thank you to all the members of the Peña Atlética de Gante for making us feel at home, as if we had always been there. And a special thanks to Geert and Colette, that wonderful couple who opened their home, their time, and their city to us, guiding us with patience, affection, and a smile that never faded for a moment. How lucky we are to have you near, even when we are far apart.

And some people say it’s just football…
How little they know.