As the biggest sporting event in the United States unfolds, millions of Americans gather around their TVs, not just to watch football but to partake in a cultural tradition that has grown into a national holiday of sorts. Super Bowl LIX is more than a championship game: it is a spectacle of sportsmanship, entertainment, and, perhaps most importantly, food.
The Super Bowl as a Cultural Phenomenon
The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched televised events in the world, drawing over 100 million viewers annually. It transcends sports, weaving together elements of American culture: the excitement of the game, high-profile musical performances at halftime, and commercials that have become entertainment in their own right. It is a day that brings families and friends together, whether they are die-hard football fans or simply there for the snacks and socializing.
I reflected on this cultural significance during the Global Cuisine Tasting event last October, organized by the Centre for International Cooperation at Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB). At that event, participants from different backgrounds introduced dishes representing their own cultures, reminding us of how food bridges traditions, identities, and shared experiences. My contribution? Classic American Super Bowl foods: burgers, hot dogs, chips, and finger foods.
Explaining the Super Bowl to Romanians
For many Romanians, Super Bowl LIX and American football might seem a complete mystery. I have been asked, “So, is it like rugby?” While there are some similarities, the sports are quite different. Even though I have been watching the Super Bowl for years, I still do not fully understand all the rules myself! American football has a complex system of downs, yardage, and endless referee signals that even lifelong fans sometimes struggle to explain. However, what makes the Super Bowl exciting is that you do not have to be an expert to enjoy it.
When explaining the Super Bowl to someone unfamiliar, I describe it as a massive sporting event where two teams battle for the championship, a cultural spectacle featuring a halftime show with world-famous artists, and a commercial showcase where companies debut creative and often hilarious ads. Personally, I enjoy watching the game itself, but I also love the commercials and halftime show, sometimes even more than the game! The Super Bowl is a full evening of entertainment, whether you are invested in the sport or simply enjoying the spectacle surrounding it.
Super Bowl Food: A Symbol of Togetherness
One of the most distinctive aspects of Super Bowl Sunday is the food. Unlike other holidays that revolve around elaborate meals, the Super Bowl menu is all about convenience and indulgence, finger foods that are easy to eat while glued to the TV screen. Burgers and hot dogs are staples, evoking the flavors of backyard barbecues and stadium food. Chips and dips, from guacamole to buffalo chicken dip, encourage sharing and create a communal experience. Wings, pizza, and nachos complete the spread, ensuring there is something for everyone. Finger foods like onion rings, spring rolls, and mozzarella sticks add variety and make perfect game-time snacks.
At the UBB Global Cuisine Tasting event, I aimed to introduce these foods as part of an American cultural tradition, just as other attendees shared dishes that represented their heritage. What struck me most was the universal role of food in celebrations. Food remains at the heart of human connection regardless of the occasion or country, bringing people together to share moments of excitement and tradition.
Why the Super Bowl Matters
Beyond the game itself, the Super Bowl is an annual reminder of the values that many Americans hold dear—competition, community, and celebration. It is a unifying event. Even those who do not follow football can participate in the excitement. For many, it is a tradition as deeply ingrained as Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July. Reflecting on Super Bowl LIX, I find it fascinating how something as simple as food can carry so much meaning. Food and sports can unite people, whether at a small cultural event in Romania or in a packed stadium in the United States.
Tonight, I will be cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles. Let’s hope they can defeat the Kansas City Chiefs!
Fly, Eagles, Fly!
