When Colombia took the field during the FIFA World Cup, one corner of Mount Dora looked and sounded a little different.

The Nest filled with Colombian flags, yellow jerseys, Águila beer and fans who returned match after match, many of whom had no connection to Colombia before walking through the front door.

For Diego Tarazona, a Colombian native and manager at The Nest, the watch parties became something much bigger than soccer.

“Seeing the community come together wearing yellow, cheering for Colombia and celebrating our culture means everything to me,” Diego says. “No matter where we are in the world, soccer has a way of making us feel at home.”

What began with Colombian expats quickly grew into a mix of regular customers, first-time soccer fans and curious locals who found themselves swept up in the atmosphere.

Jake Jordan was one of them.

“I met Diego when I was working at Wolf Branch during Copa América a couple of years ago,” Jake says. “I showed up for the food and stayed for the team, the games, his parents and eventually just started supporting Colombia. Now I’m here drinking Águila beer and wearing the scarf. The energy is so hyped.”

Colombia’s tournament ended in a penalty shootout loss to Switzerland, but the friendships built over weeks of watch parties outlasted the final whistle.

“I appreciate everyone who supported,” Diego says. “It was the best camaraderie and we added more fans to La Selección. Next up, Copa América 2028.”at Papillo

Photos: Gina Horan and provided