“The derby of all derbies” of Minas Gerais highlands: the genesis of soccer rivalry between Athletico and Palestra

Abstract

This paper has the intention of investigating the genesis of the rivalry between the soccer clubs Palestra Italia and Club Atletico Mineiro between 1921 and 1942, in the city of Belo Horizonte – MG. Besides examining said rivalry, we turn our attention to the other elements that surround it and constitute the experiences of the subjects and of the act of supporting a squad. Periodicals published by the press during the stated period were used as sources. Thus, newspapers belonging to archives such as the Public Newspaper Library of Minas Gerais, the Official Press of Minas Gerais, the Public Archives of the City and Linhares Collection were consulted and notes, columns and sections covering clashes between Athletico and Palestra became the raw material for the preparation of this narrative. It was noted that the press played a very conducive role to the construction of a tradition created to leverage the sports/soccer spectacle. The attempt to control behaviors emerged as an “education for supporters”, which dictated a certain conduct, but also nurtured a rivalry in order for it to be able to solidify and seep into the daily lives of subjects who adhered.