Mexico’s impressive World Cup journey has sparked a rallying cry throughout the nation: “Y si sí,” which translates to “What if we can?” Anamaria Sayre brings us the story from Mexico City.
DON GONYEA, HOST:
Even for those not deeply invested in the World Cup, today’s news of FIFA overturning the one-match suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun likely caught your attention. In Mexico, the pride in their national team’s unprecedented achievements has soared. Tonight, they take on England at Azteca Stadium. NPR’s Anamaria Sayre reports from Mexico City.
(SOUNDBITE OF HORNS HONKING)
ANAMARIA SAYRE, BYLINE: This summer has been one of the most vibrant in recent memory here.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: (Yelling, inaudible).
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: (Yelling) Ah.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #3: (Yelling, inaudible).
SAYRE: After each victory, millions flock to the Angel of Independence on the main avenue, celebrating with friends, dancing into the night, as if the World Cup has already been won.
UNIDENTIFIED CROWD: (Singing in Spanish).
SAYRE: The melody of the mariachi folk song “Cielito Lindo” fills the air, and a new national mantra emerges.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #4: (Yelling) Y si si.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #5: (Yelling) Y si si.
SAYRE: “Y si si,” meaning “what if yes?” or “what if we win the Mundial?” is a phrase deeply rooted in Mexican culture, with no exact English counterpart.
GRETA LALAS JABELAIS: Mexico is inherently a united nation, whether in adversity or in celebration. This optimism is very much a part of who we are right now.
SAYRE: Greta Lalas Jabelais (ph) sees this unity as a form of collective escape, a temporary relief.
JABELAIS: The motto, “y si si,” balances on the edge of doubt and hope. It’s a deeply optimistic and mystical sentiment, very characteristic of us.
SAYRE: Despite the celebrations, the country’s problems persist. Families of Mexico’s disappeared struggle for attention and support, and many continue to face daily financial hardships.
DANIELLE CHILEAN MORERA: Historically, Mexico has often faced such circumstances. The anticipation of a brighter future, a different path, is not new.
SAYRE: What kind of situation?
MORERA: The hope for a better future, another plan, another option.
SAYRE: Danielle Chilean Morera (ph) has witnessed Mexico endure numerous challenges, from natural disasters to political instability.
MORERA: What if we actually overcome this one?
SAYRE: People consistently find a way to persevere. The essence of “y si si” is ingrained in a culture steeped in mysticism and magic, where hope is the antidote to darkness.
MOUSE OLES: “Y si si” is about imagining the best outcomes. It’s about letting light pierce through the deepest shadows.
SAYRE: Mouse Oles (ph) emphasizes that belief in the surreal and supernatural is not just ideology; it’s a way to survive.
OLES: As Mexicans, we face numerous difficulties daily. We learn to smile through the pain and hardships. We find solace in laughter and dance.
SAYRE: In a country prone to setbacks, strength lies in acceptance. Mexico thrives on collective effort, and for many, the national team’s World Cup success serves as the ultimate proof that faith and unity can bring us closer than we ever imagined.
JABELAIS: “Y si si” belongs to dreamers. Though it may seem impossible, we all share in that dream.
(SOUNDBITE OF JUAN GABRIEL SONG, “HASTA QUE TE CONOCI”)
SAYRE: Anamaria Sayre, NPR News, Mexico City.
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