25th Edition of Festival del Habano: A Celebration of Premium Tobacco
The 25th Edition of Festival del Habano: A Tobacco Lover's Dream
Havana, Cuba, is gearing up to become the epicenter of premium tobacco from February 24 to 28, 2025, as it hosts the prestigious 25th Edition of the Festival del Habano. Renowned for gathering the finest experts and passionate aficionados of premium cigars, this year's festival promises to be a grand celebration steeped in tradition, excitement, and exclusivity.
A Rich Legacy
Since its inception in 1999, when Cohiba first presented its legendary Reserva del Milenio along with the inaugural charity auction of unique humidors, the Festival del Habano has evolved into the most significant event of its kind globally. Over the years, it has attracted cigar distributors, industry professionals, and enthusiasts for a week of unmatched experiences, featuring workshops, seminars, and social events.
Celebrating Iconic Brands
In this edition, the festival honors three iconic Habanos brands: Cohiba, H. Upmann, and Romeo y Julieta. Each brand brings its own historical significance and unique flavor profiles, showcasing what makes Cuban cigars renowned worldwide.
Exclusive Activities and Events
The festival will kick off with a Commercial Fair, a vital meeting point for manufacturers, industry professionals, and artisans. Visitors will have the chance to discover the latest products and explore business opportunities with over 61 companies from ten countries.
The International Seminar provides an invaluable platform for aficionados to test their knowledge through the Habanos World Challenge. Moreover, for the first time, skilled torcedores will compete for the title of Gran Torcedor 2025, adding an exciting layer to this year's competition. Several noteworthy presentations will feature prominently on the agenda, including a tribute to the 35th Anniversary of the La Casa del Habano franchise network and a comprehensive analysis of the Cohiba Behike's impressive 15-year evolution.
Festival attendees will also partake in exclusive Habanos Moments, which will take place in several La Casa del Habano locations across the city. These unique gatherings will allow guests to enjoy exceptional pairings of remarkable Habanos with carefully selected products.
A Journey into the Heart of Tobacco Culture
As part of the experience, festival-goers will have the opportunity to visit tobacco plantations and factories, specifically in Vuelta Abajo, acknowledged as the birthplace of the best tobacco in the world. These tours will provide insights into the meticulous leaf cultivation processes that yield the most sought-after Habanos.
Factory visits, including renowned establishments like El Laguito, La Corona, Partagás, and H. Upmann, offer a unique glimpse into the craftsmanship behind the art of handmade cigars. Participants can also engage in master classes where they will learn the intricacies of crafting their very own Habano.
Unforgettable Evenings of Celebration
Delightful nights await attendees, featuring thrilling spectacles, distinct pairings, and memorable surprises. The festivities begin with the Welcome Night on February 24, a romantic evening set in the elegant Salón de Protocolo Cubanacán, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Romeo y Julieta brand.
Next is the exclusive Intermediate Night held in the prestigious Salón de los Pasos Perdidos at the National Capitol of Havana, focused on H. Upmann. The culmination of the festival will be the Grand Gala Night, an unparalleled celebration with fervent supporters of Habanos. This enchanting night will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Behike line, as winners of the Habanos World Challenge and Gran Torcedor competitions are recognized, along with the prestigious Habanos Awards given to those contributing to the global promotion of premium cigars.
Giving Back Through Tradition
As part of the gala, the traditional charity auction of humidors will take place, with proceeds allocated to Cuban public health initiatives. Participants will also gain access to the exclusive Habanos Private Selection program—an elite offering for cigar lovers who purchase humidors at the festival. This program affords them priority access to an exclusive selection of prestigious Habanos vitolas, the customization of attributes, and the chance to design a high-end humidor encompassing up to 300 Habanos.
The festival promises a rich journey celebrating excellence, craftsmanship, and the enduring legacy of Habanos, ensuring that both seasoned aficionados and newcomers alike will share unforgettable memories amid the aromatic allure of the world's finest cigars.