Pizzeria removes Spanish cake from menu to avoid World Cup bad luck

A Buenos Aires pizzeria is embracing World Cup fever with a superstitious twist, temporarily removing its popular Spanish-style cake from the menu to avoid bad luck. La Americana, a renowned establishment known for its pizzas and empanadas, announced the decision on Instagram, stating that "superstitions are not explained, they are respected."

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Superstitions are not explained, they are respected. That's why, until the World Cup ends, we won't sell anything that could bring bad luck.

The pizzeria previously removed its "sopa inglesa" (English soup) dessert before Argentina's match against England. Now, ahead of the game against Spain, they are taking the Spanish-style cake off their offerings. The pizzeria acknowledges this decision may cost them sales but emphasizes that "there are things that are above the counter."

La Americana, recognized as an "emblematic pizzeria" by the Argentine Association of Pizzerias and Empanada Houses (Apyce), is a historic spot in Buenos Aires. The pizzeria's original location is famous for its pizzas and empanadas, with the brand even proclaiming itself "the queen of the empanada."

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There are decisions that are made with the heart. We know that stopping selling the Spanish-style cake these days will cost us some sales, and we don't care: there are things that are above the counter.

This move comes as pizzerias and empanada shops across Argentina are offering special "cabulera" (superstitious) pizzas and empanadas for the World Cup. These creations, designed by Apyce, aim to become new symbols for each match, strengthening the link between gastronomy and Argentine traditions.

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In our country, football and pizza are part of the same ritual. They are synonymous with gathering, friendship, family, joy, and emotion. With the cabulera pizza and empanadas, we seek to add a new symbol for each match and continue strengthening the bond between gastronomy and the traditions that unite us as Argentines.