When BACARDÍ invites you to a birthday party, a legendary evening with outstanding drinks and first-class music is guaranteed. More than 600 people came out to the historic Umspannwerk (a former electrical substation) to celebrate the popular classic rum’s 150th birthday. The evening’s guest list sounded like the “Who’s Who” of Berlin’s creative scene. In addition to actors such as Wotan Wilke Möhring, Nicolette Krebitz, Benjamin Sadler, TV presenter Sarah Kuttner, music artists Marteria, Raffaela Wais and the music band Haudegen also graced the party with their presence. The evening’s star guest was singer Kelly Rowland, who travelled all the way from Los Angeles to attend the event. “I enjoyed my stay in Berlin and had a great time at the BACARDÍ party. Meeting old friends and making new ones is always a pleasure,” Kelly raved.
Mark de Witte, Managing Director Bacardi DACH & Nordics, personally welcomed the visitors on the red carpet: “In our 150 years, BACARDÍ and legendary parties with outstanding cocktails have always been inseparable. Of course we couldn’t resist celebrating our 150th birthday with a one-of-a-kind party and exclusive music acts. We are extremely pleased that so many guests accepted our invitation and celebrated with us.”
Soul diva Joy Denalane delighted party guests with an exclusive live concert. Songs performed with Max Herre and improvisations with guest musicians Megaloh and Y’Akoto made the gig an unforgettable experience. Newcomer Alice Francis of Cologne performed several songs in the style of the 1920s. Her music, a symbiosis of jazz and blues rhythms combined with modern sounds, fit in perfectly with the evening’s ballroom theme.
For its anniversary, BACARDÍ gave a new and modern interpretation to a traditional ballroom. Ornate chandeliers, for example, contrasted with sparkling LED walls, candy girls dressed in outfits from the 1920s passed out suitable accessories, and digital bats – the popular rum’s trademark – swarmed around the ceiling of the ballroom thanks to state-of-the-art projection technology. Cocktails spanning the rum’s 150-year history were served at three theme bars. “With the staging of the party, BACARDÍ built a bridge from the brand’s beginnings in Cuba in 1862 to its present-day status as the world’s most popular rum,” de Witte said. The guests enjoyed the unconventional journey through time and the original presentation of the brand’s history. “I’m always happy to meet friends and colleagues at good parties. Together, we enjoy good times and an excellent drink,” said Franziska Knuppe.
The party in Berlin kicked off BACARDI 150th birthday parties around the world. BACARDÍ will be holding big celebrations in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East in this year of celebration as well.
150 years of BACARDÍ also mean 150 years of family history. In 1862 Don Facundo Bacardí Massó purchased a distillery in Santiago de Cuba and revolutionized the spirits world, thus laying the foundation for a new, mild rum experience with a taste clearly superior to the aguardiente (“fire water”) popular at that time and the cocktail culture that exists today. The bat, which in Cuba at the time stood for good fortune, health and family unity, has served as the brand’s symbol from the very first day. To this day, “The Bat” adorns the logo of BACARDÍ rum. Parties and social events still serve as a creative source of inspiration and innovation: “BACARDÍ – It Started With A Party”.
