Anatomy of an anomaly

We parakeets are celebrating. 125 years is no small feat. It's a long time, and it's also a number that, like all round numbers, compels reflection. On the past and the future. On who we are and how we're seen. Despite the temptation to focus only on the present moment of happiness—a temptation especially intense in the context of my self-imposed silence—the commemoration compels. to a look that tries to go beyond of the (not) so capricious little ball.

Everyone thinks they're different. In fact, everyone is different. But Espanyol's uniqueness lies in its existence. It's unique because it exists, and it exists because it's unique. In philosophical terms, we would say it's ontologically distinct. And this is often hard. Almost always burdensome. But above all, it's satisfying. Because in our difference, there's a point of distinction. Because the bonds are more intense. Each of the pericos is indispensable.

Espanyol is our best friend with problems, a friend we can't let down. When in life we meet another perico, we celebrate it with the complicity of minorities, with the privilege of the chosen few. In Catalonia, no culé is identified by being "el culé," and not even the boss of Real Madrid is identified by being a fan of this club. Instead, and all parakeets can attest to this, we are remembered and identified as parakeets. We are the other.

Being a proud and rebellious minority is exhausting. And for the pericos, it's a source of disappointment. But it's also exciting. A child wearing a blue and white jersey on the street will receive a gesture of encouragement every twenty minutes. Because seeing him moves us and because we think he'll need this encouragement. A child wearing a different jersey won't receive it. He doesn't need it, no one finds it particularly appealing: it's the jersey all children wear.

Our history, like all history, has its ups and downs. But history is written by the winners, and we lost years ago. Today is a time for celebration, and therefore, it's not about holding a medal competition for the dictator. In any case, we are not part of the hegemonic narrative. We are a minority anomaly. And, on top of that, a minority that doesn't need to be respected because, ultimately, football isn't that important. However, we refuse to resign ourselves. And even less so now: we're celebrating 125 years in European positions, with a president we love, and a fortnightly party at Cornellà-El Prat unlike any other stadium in the country.