FAITH
Identity of an Ultras group
Text: ilona babkina-ludovica brognoli
photos: matteo bergami
Since the beginning of the last century, Bologna has had a deep connection with basketball. In the 1990s, it reached the pinnacle of its relationship with the sport, becoming its basketball epicenter. The city has been hailed as the "Basket City" not only in Italy, but even throughout Europe. Engaging a wide audience of supporters and fans, in fact, is contributed by the unparalleled fan base of one of the longest-running ultras groups in Italian history, La Fossa dei Leoni.
The Fossa dei Leoni, with more than half a century of history behind them, has been guiding Fortitudo's destiny from the stands of the Paladozza since 1970. A spirit of sharing, faith and enthusiasm are the characteristics of the small community that the Ultras animate to support their idols. For more than 50 years, the Fossa dei Leoni, originally linked to team support, has consolidated its presence through a broader sense of solidarity, extended by its members not only to the team but also to the local community, becoming an integral part of Bologna's social fabric. In other words, the Fortitudo Ultras group has responded to a demand for a purpose, managing to bring the connection and values absorbed on the sports field within the everyday life of each member. Every change in members' lives, like a wedding, takes on significance for “La Fossa” and is celebrated collectively.
Bound by a shared value system, the voices of “la Fossa” have created their own rituals. The moments of togetherness, supported by the team's principle of incitement, have ensured that the players do not miss their fans even away from home. Raising one's flag, defending an ideal, turned into an act of faith manifested in pilgrimages during away games. Valuing inclusivity among its members, the White and Blue Ultras establish a comprehensive organization every day, a horizontal democracy, through meetings and gatherings where everyone can express themselves and where the gender of members is not important. The printed fanzine and radio program frequencies are the main channels through which each person's sense of belonging is strengthened.
The sense of cohesion, solidarity and support for the team, institutionalized from grass roots and reinforced by a pervasive symbolism, are articulated in a social organization and affective model capable of creating those liturgical spaces that turn sport into a faith.
FAITH is the name of this project, FAITH is what is perceived through the author's shots, FAITH is what has bound the Fossa dei Leoni for more than half a century.
