HAVANA: Twenty countries have confirmed their participation in the second edition of the International Barlady Contest, scheduled to take place from March 7-9 at the iconic Hotel Nacional. The event aims to showcase the talents of female bartenders from around the world, with Cuba represented by Mirtha de las Mercedes Gonz¡lez, who hails from the renowned Varadero beach.
According to Lao News Agency, the president of the Cuban Bartenders Association, Eddis Naranjo, and Rihder Fuentes, head of the event’s Organizing Committee, have confirmed that competitors from countries including Brazil, Belize, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela, Greece, Finland, Denmark, Albania, Germany, Ireland, Turkey, Belgium, Poland, and Macedonia will participate. This diverse lineup underscores the contest’s international appeal and significance in the bartending community.
The competition, created by Nafsika Mouzakiti from Greece, first took place in Athens in 2024. It features five distinct categories: classic cocktail, national cocktail, long drink, Latin style, and sparkling cocktail. Winners in each category will advance to a final round, where they will face a black box task to determine the Barlady of the Year. This final challenge requires contestants to create a new cocktail in under 30 minutes using a selection of spirits, liqueurs, syrups, and other ingredients provided by the organizers.
The event, inspired by International Women’s Day on March 8, is sponsored by Corporaci³n Cuba Ron S.A., Polot 1882, and Bodegas Torres. The contest not only celebrates the art of bartending but also highlights the achievements of women in the industry.