CubaPLUS Magazine

The brilliance and splendor of the Cuban cantina will prevail this week with the celebration of the centenary of the Association of Bartenders of Cuba (ACC), whose anniversary falls this June 27th.

The celebrations began with the arrival on the 23rd of numerous nationals and foreigners and the main activities are based at the emblematic Hotel Nacional de Cuba, where the “Fabio Delgado in Memoriam” elimination competition began this morning at the Golfo bar. At night, the elegance of the 1930 hall will be the appropriate place for the flag parade, a Flair exhibition (freestyle) and the presentation of the Guaragil cocktail (Guarapo de Gilberto), work of bartender Gilberto Rodríguez, who was recognized with a mention at the 12th Festival Gourmet Varadero 2022.

An international cocktail competition will take place this Thursday to choose the cocktail Centennial that will honor the work of an entire century of the association, formerly the Bartenders Club of Cuba. The final of the “Fabio Delgado in Memoriam” contest will also take place, a pairing of one of the Havana Club rums with Habanos and at the end of the day, there will be the closing with the delivery of diplomas and prizes to the winners of the competitions.

Likewise, the commemoration includes a theoretical program with several conferences, including the "History of the Cuban Cantina" to be taught by the Honorary President Rafa Malén, the "Mixology" by Sergio Freile, president of the Madrid Bartenders Association; the «Master Class” by Rihder Fuentes with tasting of the Italian brand of Amaros “Nonimo”, and that of «Tiki cocktail culture in Cuba».

The Association of Bartenders of Cuba is a non-governmental organization, linked to the Ministry of Tourism, belongs to the International Bartenders Association (IBA), has the sponsorship of Habana Club International S.A. and is registered as the legal representative of the Cuban canteen school before the Ministry of Justice and the School of Hospitality and Tourism Formatur.