Art, Food and Football Come Together at The President Hotel's South Africa vs Mexico Viewing Event

On Thursday, 11 June 2026, The President Hotel welcomed guests to Senate Bar for the World Cup Opening Ceremony and South Africa vs Mexico viewing event that brought together food, music, art and community around one of the year's biggest sporting moments.

Set against the backdrop of Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard, the evening drew hotel guests, local artists and partners for an experience inspired by both South African and Mexican culture. From 18h00, Senate Bar came alive with a menu that moved between the two nations, from beerbattered fish tacos, churros and margaritas to bobotie samoosas, lamb riblets and South African-inspired cocktails.

Mexican and South African-inspired canapés

Guests were welcomed with margaritas before settling in for an evening of shared plates and anticipation ahead of kick-off. DJ Ra provided the soundtrack throughout the evening, mixing South African favourites with well-known classics as guests gathered around the screens for the opening ceremony and match. At the centre of the experience was a live mural painting by contemporary South African artist Kamohelo Blessing Rooi.

Working directly onto a feature wall within Senate Bar, Rooi created a large-scale artwork over the course of the evening, allowing guests to watch the piece take shape in real time. As the match unfolded, layers of colour and character gradually emerged across the wall, adding another dimension to the atmosphere within the space. Based in Soweto, Rooi's work explores memory, identity and community through expressive colour and figurative storytelling. His ongoing Kasiflavour series draws inspiration from everyday township life, celebrating the people, moments and cultural rhythms that shape contemporary South Africa.

A live mural painting by contemporary South African artist, Kamohelo Blessing Rooi.

The evening offered guests an opportunity to experience football alongside food, art and conversation. Throughout the event, guests moved between the match, the mural and the bar, creating a lively atmosphere that extended well beyond the final score. The event forms part of The President Hotel's ongoing programme of cultural and community-focused experiences. Through exhibitions, live performances, local partnerships and seasonal events, the hotel continues to create opportunities for guests and locals to come together in meaningful ways.

Long after the final whistle, guests remained in Senate Bar, gathering around the nearly completed mural and reflecting on an evening that celebrated creativity, culture and connection alongside the game itself.

2026 fifa world cup