Boca day is here. Why does the club celebrate December 12 and how can you join in?

Boca fans in Argentina and the rest of the world meet up on Friday to celebrate their own special holiday, December 12, or 12/12, known as “Boca day”.  The festivity, which was born over ten years ago, is a celebration of the fans’ love for the club and what it brings to their life, from the ecstasy of incredible wins to the dread of heartbreaking losses. Why is Boca linked to number 12? The number 12 holds a big significance for the Boca fans. The link was born in 1925, when the club toured Europe taking on some of the biggest clubs in international football.  Victoriano Caffarena, a Boca fan of Italian descent, decided he simply had to join the squad. He volunteered as team kitman, masseuse and all-around handy man for the club during the tour, and even paid for part of his trip. The players enjoyed his company, and baptized him the “12th player” on the team for his vital help.  Caffarena’s passion and dedication became a symbol of every Boca fan’s fervent and undying support of the squad, and how it pushed the players to greater heights. Why is December 12 Boca day? Since Caffarena’s days, Boca has been intrinsically linked with the number 12. Even the club’s famous barrabrava chose La 12 (the twelfth) as their name. The first time Boca day was celebrated was on December 12, 2012: 12/12/12. Fans organized a meeting at Buenos Aires’ Obelisk, with thousands showing up to celebrate. It proved a fiery spectacle, with some fans rioting and wrecking a nearby McDonald’s restaurant. However, the tradition stuck and was since moved to La Bombonera to avoid further problems. Boca day hasn’t always been celebrated. Festivities were famously cancelled in 2018, after Boca’s historic loss to superclásico rivals River in that year’s Copa Libertadores final ruined the mood. How can you join the Boca day celebrations? The doors at La Bombonera are set to open at 5 p.m., with celebrations beginning at 6 p.m. and continuing until 8 p.m. There will be murgas, music bands, and other forms of entertainment. The club has opened access to all members, each of whom can invite one non-member guest. Admission will require a membership card or ID, both for members and guests.