Lourdes Dávalos, the lawyer who has emerged as a defender of the regime in the trial against the National Bank of Cuba over a multi-million dollar debt, was among the privileged attendees at the party in the Capitol of Havana to commemorate the XXV Festival del Habano, a lavish celebration that takes place while much of the country is experiencing power outages.
The daughter of Rodolfo Dávalos and co-founder, alongside her father, of the law firm Dávalos Abogados in Madrid, seizes every opportunity to participate in the most exclusive celebrations of the regime, as demonstrated by her stories on the social media platform Instagram.
At the exclusive party at the Capitol, where approximately 600 guests gathered to enjoy a lavish dinner, performances by artists, and the worldwide presentation of the H. Upmann Magnum 50 Gran Reserva Cosecha 2019, the stepson and "advisor" of Miguel Díaz-Canel, Manuel Anido Cuesta.
Anido, who has appeared in romantic scenes with actress Ana de Armas in Spain, while the Cuban people suffer from hunger and misery, features in the images that have been shared from the Havana event that concludes this Friday.
The stepson of the Cuban ruler had been seen a week ago walking through the streets of Madrid with Ana de Armas, his romantic partner for several months.
Both Dávalos and Anido enjoy privileges that are inaccessible to the Cuban people: they both live a life of luxury and leisure and travel freely.
Dávalos owns several businesses that line her pockets. The most recent of these, CurveBall Agency, is an agency representing Cuban baseball players based in Madrid, Spain.
The woman, fond of dining in exclusive restaurants and luxury brands that contrasts with the hardships faced by Cubans, is also the owner of the children's clothing brand 'Soy Pepa.'
Rising Revenues
In the event organized by Habanos S.A., it was announced that the company's sales reached a record figure in 2024, with 827 million dollars in revenue, a 16% increase compared to the previous year. China established itself as the most lucrative market for the company, followed by Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Although Habanos S.A. is a mixed-capital company, with 50% ownership by the Cuban regime and the other 50% by Asian investors, it registers million-dollar profits, Cubans continue to be engulfed in the alarming scarcity of that product on the island.
Currently, tobacco and cigarette prices in Cuba have reached unimaginable figures. Packs of Popular cigarettes without filters, which should cost 30 pesos in the network of state stores, are being sold on the black market for as much as 600 pesos.
Smokers who prefer H. Upmann cigars must pay between 1,200 and 1,500 pesos for a single pack. The shortage has created a lucrative black market where resellers and small and medium-sized enterprises control the supply and set astronomical prices.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luxury and Privilege in the Current Cuban Context
Who is Lourdes Dávalos and what is her relationship with the Cuban regime?
Lourdes Dávalos is a lawyer known for defending the Cuban regime in a lawsuit against the National Bank of Cuba over a multimillion-dollar debt. Additionally, she is the founder of the Dávalos Abogados law firm in Madrid, alongside her father, Rodolfo Dávalos. Her connection to the regime and her attendance at exclusive events stand in stark contrast to the precarious situation faced by most Cubans.
What role does Manuel Anido Cuesta play in the political and social context of Cuba?
Manuel Anido Cuesta is the stepson of Miguel Díaz-Canel and acts as his "advisor". Although his specific role is unclear, he has been seen accompanying Díaz-Canel on international trips. His connections with regime figures and his luxurious lifestyle spark controversy, particularly given the critical economic conditions in Cuba.
How does the event of the XXV Festival del Habano contrast with the situation in Cuba?
The XXV Festival del Habano was a luxurious celebration while Cuba faces a severe economic and social crisis. During the event, record sales figures for Habanos S.A. were highlighted. However, in contrast, Cubans endure shortages of basic products and astronomical prices in the black market for tobacco.
What is the relationship between Ana de Armas and Manuel Anido Cuesta?
Ana de Armas is in a romantic relationship with Manuel Anido Cuesta. This connection has sparked controversy due to Anido's ties to the Cuban regime, leading to criticism from the Cuban community in exile, who view this relationship as complicity with the regime that oppresses the Cuban people.
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