A bizarre internet trend has jumped from TikTok into the streets of Latin America.

Young people are gathering for “aura battles,” competitions where participants face off using dance moves, poses, facial expressions, memes and pure confidence.

In internet slang, having “aura” basically means having an effortless sense of coolness or presence. Now people are competing to see who has the most.

From TikTok to the Streets

Mexico has become one of the biggest centres of the trend, with battles taking place around major public spaces in Mexico City, including the Palace of Fine Arts and the Monument to the Revolution.

Participants try to outdo each other while crowds watch and decide the winner. Some competitions have even introduced judges and cash prizes.

The trend has also spread to Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru and Bolivia, with videos generating attention across social media.

What started as a ridiculous internet joke has officially become a real-life Latin American competition.

And somehow, it works.