Torcida turns 71 – Hajduk Split’s famous supporters’ group celebrates birthday

Torcida turns 71 (Photo: West Brom 4ever/Public domain)

SPLIT, 28 October 2021 – Torcida, the famous supporters’ group of Croatian football club Hajduk Split, celebrates its 71st birthday today. 

Torcida was founded on 28 October 1950 by a group of students who were studying in Zagreb. 

The group decided before a match against Red Star Belgrade that they wanted to stage an unprecedented spectacle in order to help their club, and took the name Torcida from the Brazilian Portuguese word for “supporters”, after fans at the 1950 World Cup at the time in Brazil had impressed them so much.

Torcida, which was started by just over 100 students, and has grown to thousands today, have built a fierce reputation around the world for gathering in the north stand behind the goal at Poljud stadium and creating a special atmosphere via their imaginative choreography, chants, and pyrotechnics.

Torcida has a number of branches in other countries, mostly among Croatian communities, but not exclusively. Torcida is the oldest firm in Europe.

“The story of Hajduk is unthinkable without its fans. Thousands of demonstrated signs of commitment to the Club show the size and importance of Hajduk for the city, the region and beyond. Infinite love and emotion that knows no boundaries. We sincerely wish a happy 71st birthday to the oldest fan group in Europe, to all loyal Hajduk fans, members of Torcida,” Hajduk Split said. 

Ljubav i emocija koja ne poznaje granice: Sretan vam 71. rođendan! • https://t.co/FuE9KHyVN1 #Hajduk pic.twitter.com/FnYqLShHyg

— HNK Hajduk Split (@hajduk) October 27, 2021

Celebrations today will not match the unbelievable scenes in Split last year when the city was a sea of red as flares and fireworks when the 70th birthday was marked.

Check out the footage below from the 70th birthday celebrations.