Calabrisella Mia

The start of the FIFA World Cup 2010 is almost in sight.  In a little over 2 months, much of the world will be sitting on the edge of their chairs watching their national teams take the field in pursuit of the coveted World Champions title.

I’ve mentioned in previous posts my love for calcio and the special connection and memories I have to it.  Growing up, the World Cup was always an exciting time and many a game was watched with my dad.  It would get loud; there would most certainly be shouting, tears, and one of the most important traditions….the flag waving.

One of the really great things about living in Toronto, especially when it comes to World Cup, is that pretty much every country is represented in this city.  When a team wins, you can expect honking car horns and flags waving outside of car windows as they speed by.

World Cup 2006 Portugal Game 1 (June 11-06)

Whenever Italy won a game, didn’t matter how big or small it was, the streets of Little Italy and other predominately Italian areas would be jam-packed full of people on cars, bikes, foot, and everyone holding an Italian flag in hand wearing their Italian pride for all to see.

World Cup 2006 Italy Final Game  (July 9-06)

So, it’s only fitting that the official anthem for the 2010 World Cup be called “Wavin’ Flag“.  If you listen to the lyrics, the song written by Somalian-Canadian artist K’naan, really does sum up so much of what calcio and World Cup means to so many people.  The World Cup version is different than the original.  It was re-written with new lyrics that capture the undying devotion and spirit of the game, a feeling that is felt regardless of race, religion, etc.

World Cup will feel very different this time around for me.  In 2006, my dad and I watched every game leading up to that magical moment when Italy won the final and Cannavaro hoisted the World Cup trophy high above his head.  I will definitely miss watching the games with him, but I am so thankful for all the World Cup moments we shared together growing up and for all the traditions that will continue to live on as a result of it.

FORZA ITALIA!!! AZZURRI PER SEMPRE!!!

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