World’s Top Cigar Aficionados Gather In Cuba For 25th Habano Festival

The 25th edition of Cuba’s International Habano Cigar Festival commenced on February 24, 2025, in Havana, drawing approximately 3,300 participants from 110 countries.

This five-day event, running until February 28, celebrates the rich tradition of premium Cuban cigars and offers a platform for aficionados and professionals to engage in a series of exclusive activities.

Celebrating Milestones in Cuban Cigar Heritage

This year’s festival pays homage to several iconic brands marking significant anniversaries:

• Romeo y Julieta: Celebrating its 150th anniversary, this brand is renowned for its balanced and aromatic blends.
• H. Upmann: Recognized for its mild to medium-strength cigars, H. Upmann commemorates its storied history during the festival.
• Cohiba Línea Behike: Introduced in 2010, the Behike line is celebrated for its exclusivity and unique blend, incorporating the rare Medio Tiempo leaves. The festival highlights its 15th anniversary with special events and a dedicated documentary series titled “The Magic of the Behike.” citeturn0search2

A Diverse Program of Events

The festival offers a comprehensive program designed to immerse attendees in the world of Habanos:

• Trade Fair: Featuring over 61 companies from 10 countries, the fair serves as a hub for manufacturers, artisans, and industry professionals to showcase their latest products and innovations. citeturn0search1
• International Seminar: Participants can attend lectures and practical sessions exploring the history, tradition, and innovation within the Habanos industry. Highlights include a conference on the 35th anniversary of the La Casa del Habano franchise network and an analysis of Cohiba Línea Behike’s evolution over 15 years.
• Habanos World Challenge and Gran Torcedor 2025 Contest: These competitions test the knowledge and skills of enthusiasts and professional cigar rollers, respectively, fostering a spirit of excellence and tradition.
• Exclusive Visits: Attendees have the opportunity to tour renowned tobacco plantations in the Vuelta Abajo region and visit esteemed factories such as El Laguito, La Corona, Partagás, H. Upmann, and Carlos Baliño, gaining insight into the meticulous processes behind premium cigar production.

Gala Evenings and Charitable Initiatives

The festival’s social calendar features three distinguished evenings:

• Welcome Evening: Held at the Salón de Protocolo Cubanacán, this event celebrates the Romeo y Julieta brand’s 150th anniversary in a romantic ambience.
• Mid-Week Event Night: Set in the historic Salón de los Pasos Perdidos at the National Capitol of Havana, this evening honours the H. Upmann brand.
• Gala Evening: Concluding the festival, this gala celebrates the 15th anniversary of Cohiba Línea Behike. The night includes the Habanos Awards ceremony, recognizing significant contributions to the cigar industry, and the traditional Humidor Auction. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Cuban Public Health System, underscoring the festival’s commitment to social responsibility.