The 2026 Habanos Festival, originally scheduled to begin on February 23, will not proceed as planned and is being postponed. A new date will be announced through official Habanos channels in due course.
For weeks, rumors have been circulating about a potential cancellation or postponement of the event due to worsening conditions in Cuba, which have gained global attention. These difficulties are primarily caused by a prolonged oil shortage and ongoing blackouts on the island, exacerbated by U.S. military actions in Venezuela and a new executive order issued by President Donald Trump targeting Cuba. Throughout 2026, the event’s status has remained uncertain.
Following the U.S. military’s attack on Venezuela on January 3, the U.S. government intensified pressure on Cuba by targeting its oil suppliers. Venezuela has historically been a crucial source of oil for Cuba, essential for fueling vehicles and maintaining the increasingly unstable power grid. With Venezuelan oil now under the control of the Trump administration and direct attacks on Cuba’s oil tanker fleet, along with threats against secondary suppliers like Mexico, the situation in Cuba has worsened, leading to more frequent blackouts and a significant standstill.
Today, the Organizing Committee of the Habano Festival announced the postponement to preserve the highest standards of quality, excellence, and experience that characterize this international event. The Habanos Festival is an emblematic gathering that brings together enthusiasts, experts, distributors, and specialized media from around the world annually to celebrate the culture, tradition, and prestige of Habano cigars.
“The priority of the Habano Festival is to offer its participants a comprehensive experience at the height of the relevance and prestige that this event represents internationally. The postponement of its celebration is a measure aimed at protecting this experience and guaranteeing its excellence,” the organizers stated.
Additionally, Grupo Empresarial Tabacuba expressed regret for the postponement, attributing it to “the complex economic situation facing the country as a result of the policy of intensifying the economic, commercial, and financial blockade of the Government of the United States against Cuba.”
The organizing committee appreciates the understanding and continued support of distributors, sponsors, media, and fans, and reaffirms its commitment to return with an edition that honors the tradition, passion, and legacy of Habano.