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Habanos Kicks Off the XXV Festival del Habano

The XXV Festival del Habano has commenced with a dazzling Welcome Evening, dedicated to celebrating the 150th anniversary of the esteemed Romeo y Julieta brand. Held at the exclusive Salón de Protocolo Cubanacán, located within the Playa municipality of Havana, this year’s festival welcomed approximately 1,200 guests. These included distributors, industry experts, notable personalities, and passionate enthusiasts of fine cigars. The evening was imbued with a romantic atmosphere that drew inspiration from Venice, with vibrant red tones symbolizing the passion associated with Romeo y Julieta.

The climactic moment of the night featured the world premiere of the Romeo y Julieta Amantes cigar (girth 53 x 153 mm), crafted specifically to mark this significant anniversary. This new release encapsulates the brand's legacy and distinct style, continuing Habanos, S.A.'s tradition of excellence. The Sobresalientes vitola showcases unique dimensions within the brand's portfolio, adding to the exclusivity of this release. Designed for both experienced aficionados and newcomers to the world of cigars, Amantes strikes a balance with its medium strength and classic Romeo y Julieta blend.

As shared by Jorge Pérez Martel, Vice President of Habanos, S.A., during the event, the Romeo y Julieta Amantes will be available in two exclusive formats: an elegant box containing 20 cigars, aimed at collectors and enthusiasts, and a special edition box of 5 cigars, perfect for gifting. The latter was made available for pre-sale only to attendees of the festival’s Welcome Evening.

The co-presidents of Habanos, S.A., Maritza Carrillo González and Luis Sánchez-Harguindey Pardo de Vera, spoke to the attendees, emphasizing the importance of this 150th anniversary and expressing their heartfelt gratitude to cigar lovers, distributors, and industry professionals for their unwavering dedication and commitment to the brand and the world of fine cigars.

During the evening, nominees for the Habanos 2024 Awards were also announced, recognizing influential figures within the cigar industry. The nominees in the Business category included Alain Proietto, Sami Alrayhani, and Luca Borla; in the Communication category, José Andrés Colmena, Aleksandar Spitic, and Alexandre Groom; and in the Production category, Reynier Lázaro Rojas Medina, Roberto Sánchez Esquivel, and Linnel Marrero Turiño. Winners will be revealed at the Awards Gala, the festival's closing event.

The celebration was further enriched by outstanding music and art performances. The event featured exceptional acts from talented artists, including the Traditional Feeling Trio, Rakatán with their black light show, talented Cuban musician Yarima Blanco, Ernesto Oliva and his group, the mime company Cuerpo, and the legendary Orchestra Aragón, a definitive emblem of Cuban music. This blend of culture and quality renowned for cigar craftsmanship contributed to an unforgettable evening that set the tone for the festival ahead.

For high-resolution images of the event, click here.

Stay tuned as the festival unfolds over the coming days, celebrating not just the history of Romeo y Julieta but also the future of Habanos and the world of fine cigars.