Lourdes Dávalos, an attorney known for defending the regime in the lawsuit against the National Bank of Cuba over a substantial debt, was among the privileged attendees at the opulent celebration held at Havana's Capitol. This extravagant event marked the XXV Festival del Habano, taking place while the majority of the nation struggles with power outages.
The daughter of Rodolfo Dávalos and co-founder of the Madrid-based law firm Dávalos Abogados, Lourdes is known for seizing every opportunity to partake in the regime's elite gatherings. Her Instagram stories often reveal her participation in such exclusive events.
The Capitol event, which hosted approximately 600 guests, featured a luxurious dinner, performances by artists, and the global unveiling of the H. Upmann Magnum 50 Gran Reserva Cosecha 2019. Also in attendance was Manuel Anido Cuesta, the stepson and "advisor" of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel. Anido has been seen in romantic settings with actress Ana de Armas in Spain, while the Cuban populace faces hunger and hardship. Images from the Havana event, concluding this Friday, include Anido enjoying the festivities.
Anido was spotted in Madrid with Ana de Armas just a week ago. Both Dávalos and Anido enjoy privileges inaccessible to ordinary Cubans, leading lives of luxury and ease, traveling freely. Dávalos owns multiple businesses that contribute to her wealth. Her latest venture, CurveBall Agency, is a Madrid-based agency representing Cuban baseball players.
Dávalos, known for dining at exclusive restaurants and sporting luxury brands, starkly contrasts with the dire situation many Cubans endure. She also owns the children's clothing brand 'Soy Pepa'.
Rising Profits Amidst Scarcity
The event organized by Habanos S.A. revealed that the company achieved a record revenue of $827 million in 2024, a 16% increase from the previous year. China emerged as the most profitable market for the company, followed by Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Although Habanos S.A. is a joint venture, with 50% owned by the Cuban regime and the remaining 50% by Asian investors, it continues to generate massive profits. Meanwhile, Cubans endure a severe shortage of tobacco products on the island.
Currently, the prices of tobacco and cigarettes in Cuba have skyrocketed. Packs of Popular cigarettes without filters, supposed to cost 30 pesos in regular stores, are sold for as much as 600 pesos on the black market.
Smokers who prefer the H. Upmann brand are paying between 1,200 and 1,500 pesos for a single pack. This scarcity has led to a lucrative black market where resellers and small private businesses control supply and set exorbitant prices.
Understanding the Cuban Tobacco Market Crisis
Why is there a tobacco shortage in Cuba?
The shortage is primarily due to the Cuban government's prioritization of export markets over local supply, leading to a significant reduction in the availability of tobacco products for Cuban citizens.
What role does Habanos S.A. play in this situation?
Habanos S.A., as a major producer of Cuban cigars, focuses on international sales, contributing to the domestic shortage. Their substantial profits largely benefit the regime and foreign investors, neglecting the local market needs.
How do Cubans cope with the high prices of tobacco?
Many Cubans resort to the black market, where prices are significantly higher, yet sometimes the only option available due to the lack of supply in official stores.