Just a few short weeks ago Habanos SA delivered news to the Cuban cigar community which was saddening, if not surprising. On the 11th of January The 23rd Habanos Festival was officially cancelled, meaning that for the second consecutive year there would be no grand event in Havana to celebrate the industry and craft which brings us all so much joy. The frustration was felt across the cigar world, not just by those who would regularly travel to Cuba’s capital to renew relationships built at festivals past, but also by those who patiently wait at home for news to filter back via the internet of the new releases and Limited Editions soon to be enjoyed. A year which should have finally seen the industry, like the rest of society, be able to gather together in person once again has instead begun with more disappointment.
That disappointment, however, should be lessened by the strides Habanos SA made last year with their Habanos World Days online festival. Over 9,000 accredited members of the wider cigar community attended an impressive digital conference which saw the usual information disseminated in innovative and attractive ways. The inaugural event was a roaring success, and even more remarkable when considering the short notice at which it was put together. This year’s second episode was planned regardless of the possibility of an in-person festival, so expect even more innovation, as well as some exciting new releases.
In addition to this digital extravaganza, we can also take solace in the fact that even though the festival will not take place, tourism in general to Cuba very much will. The island is very much open to visitors again, meaning that individual pilgrimages to the spiritual home of tobacco are back on the agenda. Entry protocols are, as with other nations, more stringent than they once were – vaccination certificates and PCR tests within 72 hours of travel are required – but quarantine on arrival is not. Provided you respect the health and safety of the island, Cuba is ready to embrace guests from around the globe.
The whole of Havana is open for locals and tourists to enjoy
Once you touch down and make your way through the airport (which may involve a random PCR test, at the discretion and expense of the authorities) you will find the situation in Havana to be similar to most other major capitals. Masks are worn in public spaces, and distancing observed, but hotels, restaurants and car hire services are open for business. Perhaps most importantly, so are the cigar shops. Restaurants and hospitality are operational, with the same procedures for protection of staff and other guests we are all now familiar with. The cigar-and-rum lunch on the top of the Kempinski you have been dreaming of, or the rounds of mojitos in front of a local band you wish could fill your evening, are very much back on the cards. Cuba relies on tourism for much of the foreign currency needed to support the local economy; returning is encouraged.
Rooftop views from Havana's best hotel are spectacular in the morning or evening
It should also be remembered by travellers to Cuba that Havana is not the only place to visit, nor are cigars the only things made here. The famous landmarks in the centre of Havana are must-visits, and most of us will head to La Casa del Habano for some smokes, but there is so much more to experience here. As well as the torcedores, Cuba has artisans who will craft local cedar wood into astonishing furniture and ornaments to take home. From the obvious humidors to more unusual and intricate sculpted works, they will amaze you with their ability.
Venture out of the capital and find other cities like Trinidad, or spectacular beach resorts like Jibacoa. The former is in the south of the island, and is stunning old town full of preserved colonial-era architecture and lively late-night music venues. Accommodation is more provided by casas particulares – think a Cuban AirBnb, usually with hosts who live on-site – than hotels, offering a truly authentic experience of daily Cuban life, and the surrounding area has some astonishing natural beauty which can be visited by car, train, or even on horseback. Jibacoa, meanwhile, is just a 90 minute drive from the capital, but offers seclusion and silence which will make cities feel a million miles away. The all-inclusive resorts here are luxurious and beautiful, perfect for relaxation and escape from the mania of modern life.
Away from the usual tourist spots we can find a more authentic Cuban beauty
Wherever you choose to visit, now is the time to do it: reports from our EGM team members currently in Havana confirm that, although the whole island is fully functional and open to tourists, not many have yet chosen to take advantage. It’s the perfect time to head over and have the place to yourself. Should you do so, you’ll be able to create memories that will last a lifetime, support the local economy through your visit (and inevitable cigar shopping) and do some valuable reconnaissance work ahead of the festival next year. Best to be optimistic that 2023 will see its triumphant return, and investigate the best spots to stay in advance.