Habanos, S.A. bids farewell to the “Trinidad Year” in grand style, together with its distributor Phoenicia Cyprus Ltd. and Qatar Duty Free, commemorating the brand’s 55th anniversary
Habanos, S.A., along with Phoenicia Cyprus Ltd., the exclusive distributor of Habanos for Africa and the Middle East, and with the collaboration of main sponsor Qatar Duty Free, presented the Trinidad Cabildos Limited Edition 2024 and Trinidad Robustos Extra in an extraordinary event.
The event took place on December 7th, at the iconic Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), Qatar, paying tribute to the legacy, craftsmanship, and artistry that characterizes the Trinidad Habanos.
This event was part of a series of celebrations marking the brand’s 55th anniversary, which began, as expected, at the Gala Night of the Habano Festival in Havana, continued through London with the Habanos World Days, and culminated with the regional presentation of the brand’s most important launches, attracting 500 enthusiasts from 43 countries around the world.
The gala embodied the spirit of Trinidad, where the captivating venue decor, exquisite performances, and every detail highlighting the brand’s legacy immersed guests in rich Cuban culture and traditions.
A Unique Journey Through 55 Years of the Brand’s History
The evening began with a sophisticated cocktail reception, where attendees were welcomed with Taittinger Champagne and the first Habanos of the night: Trinidad Vigía and Trinidad Topes. The venue was meticulously designed, with exclusive decor, lighting, and scenery that encapsulated the spirit of Trinidad, creating an atmosphere of elegance and tradition.
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During the reception, the gala hall was transformed into a space dedicated to enthusiasts of the most exclusive and carefully crafted products, enhanced by an exhibition of classic cars and luxury watches presented in collaboration with the AlFardan Group.
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Once the guests had filled the hall, the ambient lighting softened, giving way to an extraordinary opening by Studio RAYY. This show transformed the space into a visually and luminously impactful atmosphere, immersing everyone in a magical environment. As the lights danced to the rhythm of the music, a journey through the year’s most significant moments in Trinidad’s celebrations was presented.
The first speaker of the evening, Mr. Mohamed Zeidan, President of Phoenicia Cyprus, warmly welcomed the guests, expressing sincere gratitude for their presence and emphasizing the importance of the event. In an exciting announcement, he shared a collaboration with Qatar Duty Free, revealing that from 2025, Phoenicia Cyprus will manage all cigar stores at Hamad International Airport. This initiative not only reaffirms the brand’s commitment to excellence but also positions Doha as a key destination for Habanos enthusiasts worldwide.
Adding further excitement to the event, the launch of the Casa del Habano Pop-Up Shop was announced. Located in the North Node of Hamad International Airport, this pioneering initiative promised an unparalleled duty-free experience, with a wide selection of premium and vintage cigars to delight connoisseurs and invite newcomers to explore the fascinating world of cigars.
The first performance of the evening was by The Mayyas, the Lebanese dance group and winners of America’s Got Talent 2022. Their graceful and artistic performance set the tone for an unforgettable night.
Trinidad and the Stars of the Night
As the evening reached its peak, the co-presidents of Habanos, S.A., Maritza Carrillo González and Luis Sánchez-Harguindey, took the stage to reflect on the historic legacy of the Trinidad brand and present one of the true highlights of the night, Trinidad Robustos Extra. With a deep sense of gratitude, they thanked all those who have supported the brand over the years.
The main highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the regional launch of the Trinidad Cabildos Limited Edition 2024.
Mr. Walid Saleh, CEO of Phoenicia Cyprus, introduced this luxurious vitola with an emotional speech. He recounted the significance and importance of Cuban vegueros, emphasizing the pride in their craft and the deep connection they maintain with the land that nurtures iconic Cuban cigars. He also delved into the historical significance of the name Cabildos, its roots in Trinidad’s rich cultural integration, and its symbolism as an emblem of leadership and unity during challenging times. Today, the Cabildo represents the fusion of diverse cultures into a unified Cuban identity, truly reflecting the vibrant spirit of Trinidad. The presentation was marked by an unforgettable moment, with a collaborative performance by The Mayyas accompanied by the captivating compositions of renowned composer Michel Fadel. The performance not only captivated the audience but also underscored the cultural importance of the Habano in Cuban identity. Michel Fadel and his talented group continued to delight the guests as they enjoyed this exciting launch.
To further enhance the experience, both the Trinidad Robustos Extra and the Trinidad Cabildos were paired with cocktails inspired by Havana, carefully crafted by renowned mixologist Rastislav Kasar of Teddy’s Speakeasy.
Guests also enjoyed a gourmet five-course dinner prepared by the prestigious Kempinski Hotel. Each dish was specifically designed to complement the various Habanos, making the evening a true feast for the senses.
A Grand Finale
The night concluded with an emotional ceremonial cut, performed jointly by Mr. Mohamed Zeidan, Mr. Walid Saleh, Ms. Maritza Carrillo Cruz, and Mr. Luis Sánchez-Harguindey.
The final performance of the night was by The Managers, an energetic rock and roll band composed of S.T. Dupont’s management team. Their performance ended the night on a contagious high note, leaving guests with unforgettable memories as they enjoyed the last Habano of the evening: Trinidad Fundadores.
At the end of the event, attendees collected commemorative gifts as a token of appreciation for their continued support of the Trinidad brand.
A Perfect Complement
This anniversary celebration event for Trinidad also served as the perfect platform to introduce the machine-made Cuban cigar, Trinidad Short. Mr. Juan Girón Cuesta, Chief Communications Officer of Tabacalera S.A., highlighted the short but successful history of Trinidad Short, a product highly appreciated by enthusiasts seeking a short yet premium smoking experience.
