The 19th Habano Festival: What’s in Store?
Just a week before its kickoff, the Habano Festival revs up the preps for its 19th edition with a program teeming with to-dos and initiatives that will let guests in on the secrets of the habano culture and the enjoyment of its latest products. All this much will be seasoned and wrapped up in the talent of outstanding musical stars from the turf and overseas.
During the five-day event stretching out from Feb. 27 to March 3, this iconic annual gathering will bring in attendees from over 50 nations that will take a closer look at the year’s greatest launches worldwide in a selective and inspiring ambience.
The festival will get going on a high festive note with the Welcome Night dedicated to H. Upmann and its Grand Reserve 2011. This is the premiere Grand Reserve of this historic brand founded in 1844. The function will take place at the lovely and historic oceanfront Club Habana and will feature live music and performances by world-class artists.
The crux of the festival will be the night dedicated to Quai D'Orsay, the French-name brand of Cuban taste that will unveil major additions to its regular line on March 1 at the El Laguito Protocol Hall.
For its part, the Gala Night dedicated to the Montecristo brand and its main additions to the brand’s portfolio will mark the closing of the 19th Habano Festival. The night of March 3 at the Pabexpo Fairground will wrap things up with the delivery of the 2016 Habano Awards and the traditional humidor auction, whose funds are entirely raised for the island nation’s public healthcare system.
Talent will also put on a show of its own with the 16th edition of the International Habanosommelier Contest. This is no doubt one of the Habano Festival’s most representative activities that gathers habano sommeliers from all over the world for a chance to showcase their knowledge and skills. A renowned prize will be up for grabs.
In addition, guests attending the 19th Habano Festival will also enjoy the International Seminar that traditionally includes interesting lectures on the fascinating realm of habanos.
Also this time around, attendees will pay visits to the tobacco plantations of Pinar del Rio’s Vuelta Abajo, belonging to the “Habanos” Denomination of Protected Origin, and will also delve into the process of cigar hand-rolling by visiting the well-known La Corona and H. Upmann factories.
