CubaPLUS Magazine

In just seven days, Havana will be the center of attention for cigar lovers from all over the world, as it will become the capital of the world of premium cigars with the holding of the XXV edition of the Habanos Festival from February 24 to 28.

Distributors, professionals and fans will meet at the Palacio de las Convenciones in the capital for a week full of exclusivity, tradition and novelties to, on this occasion, pay tribute to three iconic brands of the Habanos universe: Cohíba, H. Upmann and Romeo y Julieta.

An exclusive program of activities awaits participants, including the Trade Fair, an essential meeting point for manufacturers, professionals in the sector and artisans, where the most exclusive products will be exhibited and business opportunities will be promoted, says a press release released this Monday by Habanos S.A. and adds the participation of more than 61 companies from 10 countries is expected, presenting their new products and sharing their experience in the field of premium tobacco.

As on other occasions, the International Seminar will also be held, where the most passionate cigar lovers will test their knowledge in the Habanos World Challenge, and where, for the first time in the history of these festivals, expert cigar rollers will compete to be proclaimed winners of the 2025 Grand Cigar Rolling Competition.

Also, several specialists will offer outstanding presentations on the history, tradition and innovation in the world of Habanos and there will be two important conferences: one dedicated to the 35th Anniversary of the La Casa del Habano Franchise Network, in homage to a trajectory that has marked excellence in the distribution and experience of Habanos, and another that will analyze the evolution of the exclusive Cohíba Behike Line throughout its 15 years of history.

On the other hand, this highly anticipated event will offer unique experiences with its exclusive Habanos Moments, which this year will adopt a special format in different Casas del Habano in the capital through meetings that will allow attendees to enjoy exceptional pairings that combine the best Habanos with select products.

Participants will also be able to visit tobacco plantations in the world-renowned region of Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Rio, and factories, including El Laguito, La Corona, Partagás, H. Upmann and Carlos Baliño where they will have the opportunity to discover the art of rolling "Totally by hand" and participate in a master class that will allow them to make their own Habano.

On the other hand, the festival will have three exclusive nights that will offer unforgettable shows, unique pairings and special surprises. However, the most eagerly awaited event will undoubtedly be the grand Gala Night that will bring together the great Habano enthusiasts for an unrivaled evening, to mark the 15th anniversary of the most exclusive line of the most prestigious brand of Habanos, S. A.: The Behike Line of Cohiba.

During that evening, prizes will be awarded to the winners of the Habanos World Challenge and Gran Torcedor competitions, as well as the Habanos Awards, which recognize the work of those who have contributed to the dissemination and promotion of the Habanos worldwide.

Of course, the evening will include the traditional Charity Humidor Auction, the proceeds of which will go to Cuban Public Health, awarding the winners with the opportunity to access Habanos Private Selection, a unique program aimed at a highly exclusive and privileged group of Habano lovers that allows them priority access to a selection of some of the most prestigious vitolas in the Habanos portfolio, the customization of some of its attributes -such as rings, seals and cases -, imprinting their own style and creating a unique collection carefully crafted down to the smallest detail and, finally, the opportunity to personalize a high-end humidor with capacity to hold up to 300 Habanos, choosing different finishes from a selection of fine woods and premium finishes, as well as enjoying a series of exclusive experiences.

World leader in the marketing of premium cigars both in Cuba and the rest of the world, Habanos S.A. has an exclusive distribution network present in the five continents and in more than 130 territories.

It markets 27 Premium brands made Totally by Hand, including Cohíba, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, Partagás, Hoyo de Monterrey, H. Upmann and Trinidad, among others, which have the additional distinction of being among the Protected Designation of Origin (D.O.P.) HABANOS.