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While Cubans cooked in the dark, the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel participated in the lavish closing party of the XXV Festival del Habano.
Captured by the lenses of photographers, Díaz-Canel was seen enjoying a cigar during the auction of a humidor for which a total of 4.6 million euros (4.7 million dollars) was paid at the Pabexpo venue.
The auctioned item, featuring the logo of Cohiba Behíkeuya, had as its "added value," the signature of Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Last year, the ruler had attended the million-dollar auction where he signed the Cohiba humidor that was sold for nearly five million dollars at the 2024 Habano Festival.
The lavish parties held these days for the Festival contrast with the unfortunate crisis the country is experiencing, with daily blackouts across all provinces of the Island.
The closing of the XXV edition of the Habano Festival this Friday featured a gala and an auction of six exclusive humidors representing the global brands of Habanos, and one dedicated to the exclusive Behíke line.
Between the Behíke and the other six humidors, which did not bear the Díaz-Canel brand, approximately 17 million dollars were raised.
According to the official press, the funds will go to the Cuban healthcare system, a promise that the regime has made on several occasions while the healthcare system continues to deteriorate.
At the gala, among 2,000 guests, were Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, relatives of Fidel and Raúl Castro, and Olympic wrestling champion Mijaín López, as reported by the agency AFP.
This Thursday, at an exclusive party in the Capitol, where around 600 guests gathered to enjoy a luxury dinner, performances by artists, and the world premiere of the H. Upmann Magnum 50 Gran Reserva Cosecha 2019, the stepson and “advisor” of Miguel Díaz-Canel, Manuel Anido Cuesta, and Lourdes Dávalos, the lawyer who has emerged as a defender of the regime in the trial against the National Bank of Cuba over a multimillion-dollar debt, were also in attendance.
In the event organized by Habanos S.A., it was revealed that the company's sales reached a record figure in 2024, with 827 million dollars in revenue, a 16% increase compared to the previous year. China solidified its position as the most lucrative market for the company, followed by Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Although Habanos S.A. is a company with mixed capital, with 50% owned by the Cuban government and the other 50% by Asian investors, and it records millions in profits, Cubans continue to face alarming shortages of that product on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Habanos Festival and the situation in Cuba
What is the Habanos Festival and why does it generate controversy?
The Habanos Festival is a luxurious event that celebrates the exclusivity of Cuban tobacco, attracting magnates and collectors from around the world. It generates controversy because it takes place amid a severe economic crisis in Cuba, where most of the population faces shortages of basic goods and prolonged blackouts. Many Cubans criticize the disconnect between the luxury of the event and the reality of the country.
Where do the funds raised in the Humidor Auction of the Habanos Festival go?
The Cuban regime claims that the funds are allocated to the public health system, but the lack of transparency and audits creates skepticism among citizens. Despite official promises, the Cuban health system remains in crisis, leading many to question the true destination of the collected money.
Why is tobacco consumption a luxury in Cuba?
The consumption of tobacco in Cuba has become a luxury due to scarcity and high prices. Cubans face exorbitant prices to access cigars, which are often sold on the black market. The government's priority of exporting tobacco to obtain foreign currency has worsened local shortages, raising costs to levels that are unaffordable for most.
How does the economic crisis impact the daily lives of Cubans?
The economic crisis is severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans, who are facing prolonged blackouts, shortages of food and medicine, and rampant inflation. These conditions have significantly deteriorated the quality of life, forcing many to rely on the black market or remittances from abroad to survive.
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