Festival del Habano 2025 in Cuba

Cuba's renowned cigar festival, the Festival del Habano, takes place from February 24 to 28, 2025. Organized by Habanos S.A., this annual event celebrates the rich tradition and innovation of Cuban tobacco. Attracting participants from around the globe, including industry professionals and cigar aficionados, the festival features trade fairs, workshops, factory tours, and gala dinners. Whether you're a cigar enthusiast or simply curious about Cuban culture, the Festival del Habano offers a comprehensive and immersive experience.

Schedule Highlights

The 25th Habano Festival features a diverse range of activities to celebrate the craftsmanship of Cuban cigars. The five-day program offers a mix of structured events and free exploration opportunities.

Sunday, February 23

Early preparations with accreditation at Hotel Palco from 10 am to 4 pm.

Monday, February 24

Opening day with a press conference from 10 am to 11 am and the Habanos World Challenge, where participants compete in knowledge and skills related to Cuban cigars (Phase 1) from 11:30 am to 5 pm. The trade fair inauguration is scheduled from 2 pm to 2:30 pm, followed by the welcome dinner at 7:30 pm, dedicated to Romeo y Julieta.

Tuesday, February 25

Immersive experiences, including a visit to plantations from 7:30 am to 1 pm and the preliminary Habanos World Challenge Contest (Phase 2) from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Wednesday, February 26

The international seminar opens at 9:30 am, followed by a panel on the 35th anniversary of La Casa del Habano from 9:45 am to 10:45 am. The day's events also include a special tasting from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, and an evening celebration dedicated to the H. Upmann brand at 7:30 pm.

Friday, February 28

The grand finale features the final of the Habanos World Challenge Contest from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, the closure of the trade fair and seminar from 12:50 pm to 1:50 pm, and culminates with a gala dinner at 7:30 pm, honoring the Línea Cohiba Behike with a traditional humidor auction.

Ticketing and Logistics

While the official ticket prices for the 2025 festival are yet to be announced, previous editions have included various pricing tiers. For example, gala dinners in 2024 ranged from €530 to €1,325 per person, with daytime events priced between €170 and €425. Early registration is highly recommended, as slots for popular activities tend to fill quickly.

For international visitors, Havana offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to boutique stays. The festival’s primary venue, Hotel Palco, is conveniently located near the main event sites.

Festival’s Legacy

The 2025 edition will mark the festival's 25th anniversary, reflecting its enduring significance in promoting Cuban cigars. Over the years, the festival has hosted more than 1,300 participants from over 60 countries annually.

Habanos S.A. has also used the festival to announce key product launches, including new lines and limited-edition cigars. For instance, the Cohiba Behike line, introduced during the 2010 festival, remains one of the most iconic cigar ranges to date.