Ryan Paton explores Liverpool's cultural diversity during the World Cup, speaking with immigrants who have made Merseyside home. From Mexicans calling themselves 'Scouseicans' to Norwegians embracing 'Scousewegians', the city's port history continues to attract global communities.
Mexican 'Scouseicans' Find Kinship in Liverpool
Ernesto Sandoval Cuevas, 36, moved from Guadalajara, Mexico, 5,500 miles away, nine years ago for a Master's degree. He fell in love with Liverpool's music scene and joined a local band, The Merchants. 'I fell in love with the city when I was here. One year felt too quickly,' he said. He sees parallels in humour and friendliness: 'It is the humour and the way people are so friendly here... I can walk into a pub with my Mexican top on and they'll throw a bit of banter but they'll be friendly.' His friend Tommy Martz, 41, followed him four months ago, describing himself as a 'Scouseican': 'Specifically here in Merseyside, the people are quite like Mexicans. Very warm, very friendly. I was born in Mexico, but I feel like I belong here.'
Norwegian 'Scousewegians' and Viking Connections
Ragnhild Lund Ansnes, a published author who runs Hotel Tia in Anfield, came to Merseyside nine years ago for her love of Liverpool FC. She calls her family 'Scousewegians', noting shared traits: 'We've got so much in common... The people are very hospitable. We can throw a few jokes, we've got a lot of self-irony.' The Viking legacy is evident in place names like Kirkby (Church Town) and Ormskirk (Snake Church). The Scandinavian Seamen's Church on Park Lane, standing since the late 19th century, symbolizes this bond. Custodian Ole Johan Stokke, who arrived 15 years ago after his wife's death, said: 'Thousands of Norwegian sailors stayed here... The connection with Liverpool is better than any other city in England because of the second World War and the merchant fleet.'
Argentinian Empanada Owner Finds Home in Kensington
Natalia Bernasconi, 42, from Tucuman, Argentina, intended to travel but stayed in Liverpool for seven years after a kind Scouser paid her bus fare on her first day. 'I fell in love here on the first day I arrived. A girl come and said, 'I will pay for you.' It was amazing to feel this nice welcome,' she said. She runs Empanada Revolution in Garston with her Polish partner Marcin Bulinski, 46, who also experienced similar hospitality 20 years ago when a stranger bought his bus ticket. Natalia noted regional parallels: 'In Tucuman, it is a different place... We have our own language, humour... With Scousers, the accent is totally different.'
World Cup Unites Liverpool's Global Community
England's World Cup journey ended with a 2-1 loss to Argentina in the semi-final. Despite the heartbreak, Paton reflects: 'Football has an ability to unite like no other... my favourite thing about this World Cup has been getting the chance to explore the way people from all over the world have made Liverpool home.'
