The 18th Habano Festival, the most prestigious international event dedicated to premium hand rolled cigars will take place in the Cuban capital February 29-March 4, 2016 and will be dedicated to the most exclusive brand in Habanos S.A’s portfolio, Cohiba, in honor of its 50th anniversary.
Speaking to Granma International, Daymí Difurniao Rodríguez, Habanos S.A. Operational Marketing expert, noted that an important focus will also be geared toward the brands Hoyo de Monterrey, which will present its Reserva Cosecha 2012 line, and Cuaba, celebrating its 20th anniversary.
He highlighted that, during this edition, participants, which always include international personalities, will have the unique opportunity to enjoy some of Habanos S.A’s new vitolas to be launched in 2016, as well as discover or rediscover the roots and secrets of Cuban cigar making, a centuries-old tradition on the island.
Interest and participation in the Festival, where cigar lovers can experience the best tobacco in the world, has grown annually with organizers hoping to surpass last year’s attendance figures, which saw around 1,200 participants from almost 60 countries, in addition to wide press coverage of the event by 300 journalists and photographers representing 150 media outlets from over 40 nations.
The 2016 Festival program continues to feature its customary activities, while also presenting new options, such as a Welcome Night; visits to the best tobacco farms in Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Río; an evening dedicated to the iconic figure of the cigar roller; tours of emblematic cigar factories; the Associated Trade Fair; International Seminar; International Habanosommelier Contest (selecting, cutting and lighting a cigar) and a Gala Evening.
Habanos S.A’s Operational Marketing expert noted that the Festival will kick-off February 29, 2016 with the inauguration of the Associated Trade Fair in the Havana Convention Center, the ideal setting for technical and commercial exchanges between businesses, producers and service providers from the world of tobacco.
He highlighted that the first day will end with a Welcome Night in the Almacén de la Madera y el Tabaco restaurant, located in Havana’s port area, where participants will have the privilege of attending both the launch of the Reserva Hoyo de Monterrey, Cosecha 2012 line, and exclusive performances by nationally and internationally renowned Cuban artists.
Rodríguez likewise reported that the International Seminar will once again feature interesting conferences on diverse topics related to the world of cigars, including exquisite food and beverage accompaniments, master classes and cigar rolling competitions, among other relevant topics for cigar enthusiasts.
Furthermore, he noted that the program includes a special dinner on March 2, in honor of the figure of the cigar roller, during which the brand Cuaba will also celebrate its 20th anniversary.
The expert stated finally that the Festival closing ceremony will take place on March 4, in the Pabexpo exposition center, with the customary Gala Dinner, which will pay tribute to Habanos S.A’s signature brand: Cohiba.
“The night will end with the customary Humidifier Auction, with all proceeds going to the Cuban Public Health System,” stated Rodríguez
Habano cigars are 100% hand crafted, using Cuban techniques which debuted in the capital over 200 years ago, and have been passed on from generation to generation, remaining virtually unchanged to date.
