Arts/Culture/Weekend: GOL!!!!

This weekend is hot with World Cup fever as the 2010 international soccer championship kicked off today in South Africa. In PST, that meant Mexican and South African fans were up at 6 a.m. this morning cheering on their teams in the first game of the competition, which ended in a tie of 1-1.

 

But the game to watch today was between France and Uruguay -- I can't help it, a country of 3 million inhabitants that hasn't won a World Cup since 1950 needs all the cheering it can get! Besides, if you heard my interview with local Uruguayan author Carolina de Robertis, you would know that my family is from there, and we are all fervently proud of our little corner of South America, despite our size.

 

I watched the game at the Civic Center Plaza, where the SF Recreation and Parks Department has set up a huge screen with speakers to broadcast 11 of the games. There was a small contingent of Uruguayos, but we came with a lot of spirit and excitement. The game ended without a single goal, but both teams played very well -- France with a strong offensive line, and Uruguay with a practically impenetrable defense.

 

Tomorrow you can catch the USA vs. England game there at the Civic Center at 11:30 a.m., and also at AT&T Park, where they will be broadcasting the game for free. Northstar in North Beach will also be broadcasting the game, with a free American-style barbecue at half time. Yum!

 

But if soccer isn't your cup of tea, there are many other cultural happenings to get excited about this weekend.

 

Tonight, the culture of Muni takes center stage at 6:30pm with Muni Diaries, a Muni art and fashion show at Secession Art and Design in the Mission District. There you can share your most bizarre stories experienced on the transit line. The event is staged "in honor of the good, the bad, and the beautiful sides of Muni."

 

Tomorrow is the San Francisco 34th Annual Free Folk Festival at Presidio Middle School. The schedule includes over 40 Folk bands performing on three stages, and dance parties that will feature salsa, charleston and tango music. The acclaimed blues and folk singer Barbara Dane will be hosting a workshop on songs for peace, inviting attendees to bring some peace songs of their own.

 

Then on Sunday, you'll have your pick of several interesting cultural festivals to attend:

 

If you're in the East Bay, you might want to check out the 23rd Annual Berkeley Juneteenth Festival, celebrating African-American culture and traditions. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S, explained here by the festival organizers:

On June 19th (shortened to JUNETEENTH), slaves flooded the streets, rejoicing in their newly discovered freedom. The sweet smell of barbecue smoke filled the air! Dancing feet pounded the ground and voices sung out, as this day, JUNETEENTH, would forever commemorate African-American freedom!

 

Expect live music, ethnic arts & crafts, two-on-two basketball tournament, historical exhibits and art for children.

 

For those of you in the South Bay, Sunday is the Bicentenario Festival in Redwood City, celebrating 200 years of Mexican Independence with a parade and all-day festival of local art, theater, and music. The Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco is spearheading the events commemorating this important day in Mexican history.

 

But if you're in San Francisco, the 33rd Annual Haight Ashbury Street Fair is certainly the place to be. There will be vendors selling food, clothing and crafts, as well as a battle of the bands with two stages set up on Stanyan and Masonic.

 

Whatever culture you end up celebrating this weekend, or national soccer team you are supporting, may you get to scream "GOL!!!" at the top of your lungs, at least once...it really is as fun as it sounds.