The 2024 Habano Festival Comes to a Bright Close

The 24th Habano Festival, held from Feb. 26 to March 1 at Havana's Convention Palace, came to a close with a record 17.8 million euros collected at the traditional auction of humidors that will be donated to the Cuban Health System.

The Festival was attended by more than 2,900 participants from 108 countries, and 79 companies from 11 nations exhibited at its Trade Fair. The Gala Night, held at the Pabexpo Fairgrounds, was dedicated to the 55th anniversary of the prestigious Trinidad brand and included the traditional auction of unique pieces, true works of art that protect a careful selection of emblematic vitolas of the exclusive and prestigious Habanos brands.

In the words of Excelencias Group President Jose Carlos de Santiago, who was invited to the gala, "the money raised by the bidding -17,800,000 euros- will be donated to the Ministry of Public Health. The lady who bought the Cohiba humidor, after nobody outbid her bid of 4,300,000 euros, raised the bidding to 4,500,000 euros, breaking the record for the amount paid for a humidor and thus contributing to that donation, which once again goes to Cuban healthcare... an unprecedented gala where Asians played an unrivaled role".

Yesterday afternoon, the International Seminar and the Trade Fair associated with the Habano Festival came to a close, a session in which the finalists and winners of the V Habanos World Challenge Contest were also recognized, and the winning stands of the Trade Fair were awarded.

In the first segment of the closing session, the teams participating in the Habanos World Challenge Contest, one of the most interesting activities at the Habano festivals, received awards, the final of which was held during the morning session. Six teams of different nationalities competed in this 5th edition of the competition, with Canada winning for its excellent mastery of the history, culture and production of Habanos. The other semifinalists were the teams from the United Arab Emirates, Colombia, Spain, Lebanon and Kuwait, which came in second place. The jury also received recognition from Habanos S.A. by its vice presidents.

Afterwards, diplomas and trophies were awarded to the trade fair stands that were selected as mentions and prizes in the different categories. The winners were: Free Design Stand Award for Havana Club International S.A.; Integral Communication Award for Brascuba S.A.; Regular Design Stand Award for Artema; and Most Visited Stand Award for Cigarte.

In his closing remarks, Luis Sánchez-Harguindey, co-president of Habanos S.A., said it had been a very intense week, within the framework of the corporation's 30th anniversary, marked by learning and unique experiences, in which very special pairings had been enjoyed. He thanked the speakers, world-class experts, as well as the participants in the Trade Fair and other sections of the program. He urged attendees to repeat at the XXV edition, and urged them "not to let the passion for Habanos cease". 

Another of the program's activities on the last day of the Festival was a tasting of Habano San Cristóbal de La Habana Prado and Havana Club's Ron Pacto Navío, a pairing that was very well accepted among tasters, on the grounds that the delicacy of that rum harmonizes perfectly with that Habano.