![\"Cuba's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/c66abaea80f448a9abc2e0d838694b68.jpeg\")
Cuba’s cigar festival will not take place in 2026 (ADALBERTO ROQUE) \u00b7 ADALBERTO ROQUE\/AFP\/AFP <\/p>\n Cuba’s cigar festival will not take place in 2026 (ADALBERTO ROQUE) \u00b7 ADALBERTO ROQUE\/AFP\/AFP <\/p>\n
Cuba on Saturday announced the cancellation of its iconic cigar festival, amid a major energy crisis sparked by US pressure on the cash-strapped island.<\/p>\n
In a message to participants seen by AFP, organizers said they were postponing the annual event, scheduled to take place from February 24-27, but did not give a new date.<\/p>\n
The decision was taken “with the aim of preserving the highest standards of quality, excellence and experience that characterize this international event,” organizer Habanos SA said.<\/p>\n
The “Festival del Habano” draws cigar enthusiasts, traders, and specialized journalists from around the world and features an auction of luxury cigars and humidors.<\/p>\n
The auction generates several million dollars annually — last year, about $19.5 million — that are then funneled into the country’s health care system.<\/p>\n
International sales of Cuban cigars, the island nation’s most emblematic export, bring much needed income to its struggling economy, with Europe the main market for the luxury smokes.<\/p>\n
The United States cut off oil deliveries to Cuba from Havana’s key ally Venezuela following the ouster of longtime president Nicolas Maduro in early January.<\/p>\n
US President Donald Trump also signed an executive order allowing his country to impose tariffs on countries selling oil to Havana.<\/p>\n
International airlines including Air Canada have halted Cuba flights due to a lack of fuel on the island, and several governments have urged citizens to reconsider travel there, warning they could be stranded.<\/p>\n
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has accused Trump of wanting to “suffocate” the island’s economy, which has been under American embargo since 1962.<\/p>\n
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