Ay Che Bostero (Mirá Qué Distintos Somos)
River Plate
The Fierce Rivalry in Argentine Football Anthems
The song 'Ay Che Bostero (Mirá Qué Distintos Somos)' is a chant commonly heard in the stands of River Plate, one of Argentina's most famous football clubs. The lyrics are a direct taunt aimed at their arch-rivals, Boca Juniors, affectionately known as 'bosteros'. The chant highlights the perceived differences between the supporters of the two clubs, with River Plate fans claiming superiority in terms of loyalty and bravery.
The first stanza accuses Boca Juniors fans of needing police protection ('la yuta'), suggesting that they lack the courage to stand alone, in contrast to River Plate fans who 'aguanta' (hold out) by themselves. The second stanza points out that River Plate's fans never abandon their team, referencing the absence of 'banderas negras' (black flags), which symbolize protest or surrender, and emphasizing that their supporters never leave the stadium early, even in bad times.
The final lines reinforce the idea of River Plate fans being more authentic and dedicated. They claim that Boca Juniors fans are 'vigilante' (a derogatory term for someone who is seen as a traitor or informant) and are escorted to River Plate's stadium, El Monumental, under police custody. In contrast, River Plate fans proudly state that they travel to Boca's neighborhood, La Boca, on foot and without any police ('la Federal') escort. This chant is a powerful expression of the fierce rivalry and pride that defines Argentine football culture.