Kansas City made World Cup history this week when an estimated 36,000 fans flooded downtown streets for the Netherlands’ “Oranje Fanwalk” — the largest fan walk of its kind in the United States, according to FOX4KC.

The sea of orange-clad supporters marched through the city ahead of the Netherlands’ Group Stage match against Tunisia at Kansas City Stadium, turning the heart of the metro into a festive, international celebration. The electric atmosphere drew widespread praise from both visitors and locals alike, with KCTV reporting that the World Cup’s energy in Kansas City has been a hit with everyone who experienced it.

The fan walk wasn’t the only sign of the city’s warm welcome to the world. Thousands of Dutch supporters also took part in the Netherlands’ “March to the Match,” according to KMBC, while Austrian fans gathered at the beloved local restaurant Grünauer ahead of their team’s Group Stage clash with Algeria — a reminder of how Kansas City’s neighborhoods and businesses have embraced the global tournament.

With a Round of 32 match still to come at Kansas City Stadium, the city’s moment on the world stage is far from over. The enthusiasm shown by both international visitors and hometown residents has underscored what many already knew: Kansas City knows how to throw a party — and welcome the world while doing it.

Sources: FOX4KC.com, KCTV