On April 13, 1886, a historic moment unfolded in Ybor City with the rolling of the very first Cuban cigar. This momentous event would forever shape the destiny of Ybor, ultimately earning it the esteemed title of “The Cigar Capital of the World.” Hotel Haya pays homage to this significant milestone by taking its name from Ignacio Haya, the visionary behind the famed Sanchez y Haya cigar factory, responsible for that groundbreaking first roll over a century ago.
Born in Spain during the early 1840s, Haya was a true trailblazer and a pioneer in the cigar industry, establishing his tobacco business at a remarkable young age of 25. His first bold move was setting up his cigar factory in Ybor City, where he ingeniously adopted the Havana Clear manufacturing process. Florida’s humid climate, reminiscent of Cuba’s, provided the ideal conditions for Haya to cultivate superior-quality tobacco. It was this ingenuity that propelled Ybor into its eminent position as the Cigar Capital of the World.
The Cuban cigar boom turned Ybor City into a vibrant haven for the Spanish community. In 1890, Manuel (Canuto) Menendez founded Los Novedades, the area’s first-ever Cuban café, which swiftly became a culinary sensation, offering authentic Spanish cuisine to the community. Los Novedades played a vital role in preserving and promoting the rich culinary heritage that characterizes Ybor City. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring influence of immigrant communities and the pivotal role of diverse cuisine in shaping a city’s cultural fabric.
By the turn of the 1900s, Ybor City had established itself as the premier source of top-notch, freshly rolled cigars worldwide, producing over 500,000 cigars per month. However, this golden era faced challenges in the form of economic recessions and the devastating great fire of 1908, which consumed the original factory. Nevertheless, the legacy of Ignacio Haya’s cigars lives on, as they continue to be produced in Ybor City to this day.
As for Los Novedades, its indomitable spirit lives on within the walls of Hotel Haya, where the original interior and textiles have been thoughtfully preserved. This, by the way, was also a favorite among Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War. Today it draws from the who’s who of Tampa’s local elite and fashionable and elegant travelers. Thanks to the watchful magic of Ybor-based Alfonso Architects, the hotel takes great care in renovating this historic site, transforming it into elegant, timeless and versatile private event space, where soon memories will be cherished for generations to come. Given Tampa’s buzz and Ybor’s magic, you never know who’ll be showing up at the Haya when you visit.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Hotel Haya, Sept. 15 – Oct. 15.
