Kamilah Khelili
Despite being Brazilian, my relationship to soccer, or any sport for that matter, has always been apathetic to say the least. This year, for the first time ever, I actually cared a little about the World Cup. When the opportunity to attend Toronto’s Official FIFA World Cup Viewing Party hosted by the city’s hottest summer club, Cabana Pool Bar, along with Budweiser, I jumped at the occasion. The fact that my own country had been eliminated was irrelevant to me. We have already won more than any other team: five times to be exact. My best friend, and plus one at the event, is Croatian. He felt so emotionally invested in his home country’s first potential win, the sentiment was infectious.
Attendees came dressed head to toe in the colors of their chosen team (funnily enough, both France’s and Croatia’s flags are the same colors), enthusiastically waving their flags. The match was broadcasted in a massive 40ft screen that could be seen from almost anywhere in the club. Every time a team scored, fiery smoke and bumping music would be released into the air in celebration while guests sipped their Buds.
The club organized a competition where soccer fans got to try scoring into a net floating on the pool for a chance to win an exclusive trip to the winning country. As we all know by now, Croatia lost. Yet it didn’t matter.
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Cabana is easily the best party spot during the summer. Soccer fan or not, the event itself was an Instagram-appropriate paradise. Cabana is worth visiting just for the insane views it boasts of the Toronto harbor, the gorgeous staff, the delicious drinks, and of course, the pool.
Even though Croatia didn’t win, the mere fact that they had made it to a World Cup final for the first time ever, was enough reason to celebrate. Everyone, including my fellow Croatian, was in a commemoratory mood, exactly what I had been hoping for. The great electronic music, perfect white decorations and flowing drinks made the day just the more special.
~ Cabana Pool Bar, 11 Polson St, Toronto, (416) 479-7645 ~
