Cuba Postpones Annual Habanos Cigar Festival Amid Fuel Crisis
Cuba has postponed its annual Habanos cigar festival, citing a worsening fuel shortage and broader economic pressures blamed on the United States trade blockade.
The organizing committee of the Festival del Habano announced Saturday that the five-day event, scheduled for late February in Havana, has been postponed until further notice. In a statement, organizers said the decision was driven by the country’s “complex economic situation,” which they attributed to the ongoing U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade.
Cuba is currently facing severe fuel shortages that have triggered widespread power cuts across the island. The situation has been aggravated by the seizure of oil shipments from Venezuela, Cuba’s long-time ally and key fuel supplier, according to Cuban authorities.
The energy crisis has led to electricity outages lasting up to 18 hours in some areas, affecting hospitals, water pumping stations and other essential services. Cuba is also experiencing a shortage of aviation fuel, prompting several international airlines to suspend or reduce flights to the island. Some countries, including the United Kingdom, have advised against non-essential travel to Cuba.
The Habanos Festival is one of Cuba’s most prominent international events, drawing more than 1,300 participants from around 70 countries each year. The festival typically features cigar tastings, factory and plantation tours, and a high-profile auction of premium cigars.
Cuban cigars are widely regarded as among the finest in the world but remain illegal in the United States under long-standing trade embargoes that have been in place since 1960, following the 1959 Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro.
Facebook Comments