Rua 13 becomes an open-air gallery and brings together generations in support of Brazil in BA On Rua Souza Uzel, in the Federation, the countdown to the World Cup is not just done on the calendar. The atmosphere of fans and festivity literally hangs over residents' heads, waving in the wind with thousands of colorful flags that transform the road into one of Salvador's best-known settings during the World Cup. Popularly known as Rua 13, the town has once again kept alive a tradition that spans generations. With paintings on the floor, designs inspired by football and the famous "aerial carpets" formed by flags, the space became a true open-air gallery to support the Brazilian team in the competition. Anyone passing by will find a colorful corridor that stretches for around 150 meters. But, for residents, decoration goes far beyond aesthetics. It is the result of weeks of collective work, impromptu meetings and the mobilization of neighbors who reserve part of their free time to keep alive a tradition that started almost two decades ago. 📲 Click here and join the g1 Bahia WhatsApp group One of the main organizers of the decoration, trader Ivo Vieira da Silva, 54 years old, told g1 that it all started with the 2006 World Cup. "Our partner Ronaldo Rangel started by placing plastic ribbons. We found it interesting, decided to continue and did so in other World Cups", he recalls. Rua 13 becomes an open-air gallery and brings together generations in a tradition that transforms a neighborhood in Salvador with each World Cup Maurício Reis/g1BA This year's preparations began in May, with the purchase of materials. The final stretch, however, required an even greater effort from the residents. For around 30 days, approximately 30 people worked directly on assembling the decorations, even facing the periods of rain that hit Salvador in recent weeks. "At the beginning of June, we really accelerated. Everyone participates. We invite children and adults. People already know that we do it and bring everyone together", added Ivo. To complete the project, around 200 kilos of plastic, 180 rolls of tape, 30 staplers and approximately 5,000 staples were used. The investment reached R$9 thousand. 🤝 United community Between one piece of plastic and another, there is also space to strengthen coexistence. "We always offer an afternoon snack to encourage and everyone takes part in the service", said the trader. Around 200 kilos of plastic, 180 rolls of tape, 30 staplers and approximately 5,000 staples were used. Maurício Reis/g1BA The collective spirit is precisely what moves student Cibele Sandrini, 23, most. A resident of the street since childhood, she participated in another edition of the assembly and sees the decoration as a symbol of unity between neighbors. "It shows that it was the result of everyone's effort and unity. Only the World Cup can do this. There are people who don't even talk to others and, at the time, everyone talks. At night the street is crowded." For her, tradition also carries a strong feeling of belonging. "We feel that pride in tradition. I'm very grateful to have participated since I was a child. It's a tradition that I want to last for the rest of my life, because all generations deserve to experience this." 🤳🏾 Every four years, the street becomes a tourist spot Over the years, 13th Street's fame went beyond the neighborhood's boundaries. According to the organizers, visitors from different parts of Salvador often pass by the place to take photos. In some World Cups, the repercussions reached other countries. "In 2014, we had the presence of journalists from the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as visitors from Angola and Arab countries. Tourists always appear from various places", recalled Ivo. The renewal of tradition can also be seen among the youngest. Maurício Reis/g1BA The renewal of tradition can also be seen among the youngest. This year, according to the organizer, the participation of young people was even greater. "Today we have children who are arriving and seeing this. In the future they will continue when the older ones are no longer able to. Everyone has their own tasks, but when that time arrives, everyone gives a little of themselves, asks to leave work early and comes to help." And when the ball starts rolling, the party is no longer just about decoration. On Brazilian game days, the street turns into a huge meeting point. "We do a samba, put television on the street, each person brings a snack from home, peanuts, liquor, and it becomes a party. It's a fun game because it's São João and the World Cup", highlighted Ivo. While the team's debut approaches, Rua 13 has already won its own match. Between flags, clips, conversations and shared memories, residents show that the World Cup is also held far from the stadiums — in places where the passion for football serves as an excuse to bring people together and strengthen bonds that span generations. Residents organize to paint walk Maurício Reis/g1BA While the Seleção’s debut approaches, Rua 13 has already won its own match Maurício Reis/g1BA READ ALSO: 2026 World Cup album fever moves shopping malls and brings families together in Salvador; see list with exchange points Bahian entrepreneur gets into the World Cup spirit and creates green and yellow acarajé 'Ronaldo', 'Riquelme': family with 14 children with names starting with the letter 'R' after former players prepares for the World Cup See more state news on g1 Bahia. Watch videos from g1 and TV Bahia 💻