The majority of stands referred to as a "curva" are located behind the goals in their respective stadiums and contain the most vocal supporters within them, often known as Ultras.
They are usually curved in shape, in some form whether minor or major, often due to the presence of a running track around the pitch.
[3] These displays often take on an importance of their own, particularly in games involving rivals where both sets of supporters aim to outdo each other.
[4] In certain countries, particularly those where sports clubs and supporters are extremely reflective of the local culture, the curva can become quite politicised in nature.
Ultras groups within a curva often benefit from this degree of relative uniformity, when there are issues regarding supporters' rights and the commercialisation of sports and football in particular.