Friday night, as we know, is the beating heart of the great celebrations. But when the stage is that of the XX Amigos de Partagás In Matelica, anticipation turns into pure magic. This year too, Friday evening provided unforgettable and extraordinary emotions with the classic and eagerly awaited “Cuban Fiesta La Gozadera”, an event that has become unmissable and iconic for all fans, enthusiasts and aficionados of the Habanos universe and the culture of slow smoking.
The atmosphere, vibrant, authentic, and extraordinarily charged with Caribbean energy, enthralled and enthused the 400 guests present. Among the numerous prominent figures and international authorities, the presence of SE Jorge Luis Cepero Aguilar, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Italy, testifying to the deep cultural bond that unites our peninsula with Isla Grande. The memorable evening was hosted in the brand-new, modern, and elegant "Maria Fiorella Conti" venue in Matelica, where guests were warmly welcomed by the unmistakable hospitality and charisma of Miguel Jimenez Diaz, known to all as "Trompeta.".
A tribute to the Partagás brand: a sensory journey through Habanos excellence.
As per tradition, the focus and inspiration of the event could only be dedicated to Partagas, one of the most iconic, renowned, and historic brands in the entire Cuban cigar scene, celebrated this year in grand style on the occasion of the twentieth edition of the Marche event. The lucky participants had the privilege of tasting two references of absolute excellence and prestige from the Cuban manufacture: the Partagás Serie D No.5 and the Partagás Serie P No.2, the true, undisputed protagonists and smoking companions of the night.
Leading the audience on this exclusive path of excellence was Stefano Minoia, Sales Manager of Diadema SpA (the exclusive importer of Habanos in Italy), expertly led the audience on a fascinating sensory journey. Minoia masterfully illustrated the history, anecdotes, and sensory evolution of these highly prestigious Cuban products, highlighting their complexity and timeless character.
"Amigos de Partagás" Awards: Recognition for the Guardians of Cigar Culture
A central, solemn and always eagerly awaited moment for the entire audience was the delivery of the traditional and prestigious “Amigos de Partagás” Awards”. This is a stage of honor designed to publicly celebrate and reward the great personalities who, with their work, dedication, and daily passion, actively contribute to the widest possible diffusion and protection of cigar culture worldwide.
In this twentieth edition, the coveted and historic recognition was awarded to three figures of absolute importance and importance in the sector:
- José Castelar Cairo, aka “Cueto”, legendary master torcedor famous throughout the world for his world records and his spectacular Guinness World Record-breaking cigars;
- Marcello Lunelli, a leading figure in Italian winemaking excellence and always close to the great excellences of spirits and great passions;
- Giuseppe Dussin, a historic and highly esteemed figure of reference for tobacconists and the passion for Habanos in Italy;
- Jean Gonzalez, a prominent name inextricably linked to the world of Habanos and the vibrant international community of enthusiasts and collectors.
Music, dance, and fine spirits: the essence of a true Gozadera
The extraordinary artistic expressions that animated the "Maria Fiorella Conti" space transformed the event into a true Caribbean celebration. The overwhelming and spectacular performances of the dancers Mila Oliva They ignited the enthusiasm of the room, introducing the long-awaited concert of the enchanting Haila María Mompié and her son Haned Mota. Haila Universally known as “La Diva” of Cuban music, the artist, with her powerful, captivating voice and a repertoire rich in rhythms and overwhelming sounds, transformed, together with Haned, the night of Matelica into a vibrant dance floor under the stars, making aficionados dance until late at night.
Further enriching the visual and emotional dimension of the evening was the magnificent performance of the famous artist Mauro Masi, who literally enchanted and kept all the guests glued to the screens, creating spectacular drawings and animated evolutions with the sand, modeled in real time to the music and words.
From a taste and pairing perspective, "La Gozadera" proved to be a journey of excellence through flavors. The Partagás cigars were paired with a refined and carefully selected selection of wines. Valpanera, the structured complexity of the precious Ron Isla Grande and the timeless elegance of the Segnana Grappa. The service and the signature mixology were entrusted to the expert hands of the professionals of the Bar Roma in Matelica, who have curated the cocktail bar with the passion and mastery that has always distinguished them.
A success that is renewed in the name of sharing
The “Gozadera” confirms itself, year after year, as the maximum expression of joy, rhythm and spirit of pure sharing that inextricably links Italy to the Isla Grande of Cuba. An irreplaceable piece in the rich calendar of the XX Amigos de Partagás, designed and structured to give international guests a night of total and unforgettable celebration, before delving into the complex and prestigious technical and academic seminars that characterize the final days of the event.
Photo credit: Amigos de Partagás
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©COPYRIGHT Nicola Di Nunzio
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