From 24th to 28th February 2025, Havana pulsed with cigar smoke, rhythm, and celebration as the world’s cigar aficionados converged on Cuba for the XXV Festival del Habano. This landmark 25th edition brought together Habanos S.A., distributors, retailers, connoisseurs, and fans from around the world for five days of factory tours, plantation visits, tastings, galas, and historic new releases.
What is the Festival del Habano?
The Festival del Habano is the annual flagship event for Cuba’s cigar industry. Since its inception in 1999, it has become the most important cigar gathering in the world—a place where new vitolas are unveiled, rare humidors are auctioned, and the passion for Cuban tobacco is celebrated.
The 25th anniversary was always going to be special, and Habanos S.A. made sure it lived up to its billing.
Themes & Anniversary Tributes
The 2025 Festival was rich in anniversaries and commemorations:
- Romeo y Julieta celebrated its 150th anniversary with the release of the Amantes vitola.
- H. Upmann was honoured midweek with the launch of the Magnum 50 Gran Reserva Cosecha 2019.
- The 15th anniversary of Cohiba Línea Behike was the centrepiece of the Gala Evening, featuring the debut of the Behike 58 and record-breaking humidor auctions.
Highlights of the Festival
1. New Vitola Launches
- Romeo y Julieta Amantes (153 mm x 53 ring gauge), presented in 20-count boxes and 5-count packs.
- H. Upmann Magnum 50 Gran Reserva Cosecha 2019, crafted from tobaccos aged at least five years.
- Cohiba Behike 58, expanding the most prestigious Cuban line with updated packaging and NFC verification technology.
2. Factory & Plantation Tours
Guests visited the legendary El Laguito, Partagás, H. Upmann, and La Corona factories, seeing first-hand the artistry of torcedores. Tours of Vuelta Abajo plantations showcased Cuba’s prized tobacco fields.
3. Seminars & Pairings
Masterclasses explored cigar and rum pairings, ageing techniques, and blending secrets, while the trade fair displayed humidors, accessories, and luxury goods.
4. Gala Dinner & Auction
The Gala featured performances, awards, and the famous humidor auction, raising millions for Cuba’s healthcare system. The Cohiba Behike 15 Aniversario humidor fetched a record-breaking €4.6 million.
Sidebar: Top 5 Cigars Unveiled at Festival XXV
- Romeo y Julieta Amantes – A new vitola celebrating 150 years of passion.
- H. Upmann Magnum 50 Gran Reserva 2019 – Refined and elegant, aged for five years.
- Cohiba Behike 58 – A new jewel in the Behike crown, introducing NFC-enabled packaging.
- Special Edition Humidors – Unique creations for Cohiba, Partagás, Romeo y Julieta, and more, auctioned for record sums.
- Limited Edition Tastings – Rare vintage releases available exclusively during the festival seminars.
Day-by-Day Itinerary: Festival del Habano XXV
Day 1 – Welcome Night
- Opening gala with live music and Cuban cuisine.
- Launch of Romeo y Julieta Amantes.
Day 2 – Factory Tours
- Visits to El Laguito, Partagás, La Corona, and H. Upmann factories.
- Evening parties and private tastings.
Day 3 – Seminars & Midweek Tribute
- Educational sessions on blending, tasting, and cigar heritage.
- Tribute dinner to H. Upmann and unveiling of the Magnum 50 Gran Reserva 2019.
Day 4 – Plantation Tours
- Excursions to Pinar del Río’s famed Vuelta Abajo tobacco region.
- Hands-on experiences in curing barns and rolling workshops.
Day 5 – Gala Evening & Auction
- Celebration of Cohiba Behike’s 15th anniversary with the debut of the Behike 58.
- Humidor auction, raising millions for Cuba’s healthcare system.
- Announcement of the 2025 Gran Torcedor award winner.
Market News from Habanos S.A.
During the Festival, Habanos S.A. reported strong 2024 results:
- $827 million in revenue, up 16% year on year.
- Europe remained the largest market (54% of sales), followed by Asia-Pacific (24%).
- China, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and Germany ranked as the top five markets.
- A total of 33 new products launched in 2024, many previewed during the Festival.
Why the 25th Festival Mattered
- Milestone Anniversary – A celebration of 25 years of Habanos festivals.
- Prestigious Brand Tributes – Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann, and Cohiba all marked anniversaries.
- Innovation – NFC-enabled Cohiba Behike packaging shows the future of authenticity checks.
- Record Auctions – The Cohiba Behike humidor broke world records at €4.6 million.
- Cultural Impact – More than a festival, this was a showcase of Cuban culture, heritage, and craftsmanship.
Final Word
The 25th Festival del Habano wasn’t just a cigar festival—it was a milestone in the story of Cuban tobacco. From the unveiling of new vitolas to the record-breaking humidor auction, it highlighted both the tradition and innovation that keeps Habanos at the heart of the cigar world.
For anyone who loves cigars, Havana in February 2025 was the place to be—where smoke, music, and history intertwined in the grandest celebration of the Habano.