Conchas, the traditional Mexican sweet bread often enjoyed with hot chocolate or coffee, have become a sensation among the Mexican community and residents of West Covina, Los Angeles County, California. Many are showing support for their favorite teams by indulging in these colorful, team-themed treats.

"We want to bring joy to everyone; we don't want anyone to feel left out or ask, 'Oh! Where's my team's jersey?'", shared Erika Lopez, 42, owner of Cookieteria by Lovely, on 20/6 as she prepared a new batch of pastries.

Traditional Mexican sweet bread, conchas, decorated with World Cup themes at Cookieteria by Lovely on 20/6. *Photo: Reuters*

These conchas are crafted to resemble jerseys of the US, Mexico, and Argentina teams, along with the World Cup trophy, footballs, and tournament mascots. The visual appeal makes them perfect for social media sharing.

Leo Ruiz, 15, a customer, noted that the World Cup-themed conchas are ideal for online posts. "They're just so cute; you see them and immediately think they're picture-perfect. It makes you want to snap a photo and post it online right away", Ruiz said.

Los Angeles is home to millions of people of Mexican descent or those born in Mexico. On the streets, it's common to see people wearing the traditional green jerseys of the Mexican national team. This strong cultural connection made the idea of incorporating these colors into conchas a natural fit for Lopez.

"As Mexicans, we constantly consider how we can participate in every event. Football is deeply ingrained in our culture", she explained. Just as players feel the pressure to perform well for millions of fans, Lopez places similar demands on herself. She aims to ensure her team-colored conchas are both beautiful and delicious, preventing any disappointment for her customers.

"Sometimes I'm excited, other times a little scared. There's happiness and anxiety—all emotions are present. Every range of feelings rushes back each time", confessed Lopez, who has lived in the US for 23 years.

Baker Lopez alongside traditional Mexican conchas at her bakery in West Covina on 20/6. *Photo: Reuters*

Customers buying pastries at Cookieteria by Lovely in West Covina on 20/6. *Photo: Reuters*

Lopez shaping the topping of a concha. *Photo: Reuters*

World Cup-themed conchas. *Photo: Reuters*

Nubia Wilson, 50, a customer at the bakery, was picking up a box of conchas shaped like Mexico and US jerseys and footballs for a boy's birthday party later on 20/6. "That kid is passionate about football, so what better way to surprise him than with these conchas? Because everyone loves conchas. At least, everyone at the party I'm attending does", Wilson enthusiastically shared.

Hong Hanh (According to Reuters)