Question about Festival de Habanos

[Mhansen85]

I know the festival has been cancelled for 2022, but assuming it is going to happen in 2023, i am wondering if it is possible for anyone to attend, how one signs up and what the cost is going to be? are group tours the way to go or is it possible for a few mates to organize themselves? 

[Corylax18]

18 minutes ago, Mhansen85 said:

I know the festival has been cancelled for 2022, but assuming it is going to happen in 2023, i am wondering if it is possible for anyone to attend, how one signs up and what the cost is going to be? are group tours the way to go or is it possible for a few mates to organize themselves? 

I would suggest you try the Partagas Festival First. If it happens this year (it was cancelled the last two) it happens during the first half of November. Way cheaper, more fun/laid back, and there seems to be at least 1 FOH member at every LCDH in Havana for about a week. 😄 

Tickets for the Partagas Festival could be ordered through Facebook or the stores email directly, that may change the next time they sell them. The Habanos Festival is open to the public, but I've never really looked at buying tickets, So I'm not sure where to point you for that. I'm sure someone can chime in here though. 

In general, I would strongly recommend against most organized tours in Cuba, especially if organized by the Government. (99% of tourism businesses right now) Its highly recommended to hire a driver (some great ones are mentioned in the Cuba travel sub forum) and stay in Casa Particulars. Much better service/accommodations for a lot less money. 

[Mhansen85]

Just now, Corylax18 said:

I would suggest you try the Partagas Festival First. If it happens this year (it was cancelled the last two) it happens during the first half of November. Way cheaper, more fun/laid back, and there seems to be at least 1 FOH member at every LCDH in Havana for about a week. 😄 

Tickets for the Partagas Festival could be ordered through Facebook or the stores email directly, that may change the next time they sell them. The Habanos Festival is open to the public, but I've never really looked at buying tickets, So I'm not sure where to point you for that. I'm sure someone can chime in here though. 

In general, I would strongly recommend against most organized tours in Cuba, especially if organized by the Government. (99% of tourism businesses right now) Its highly recommended to hire a driver (some great ones are mentioned in the Cuba travel sub forum) and stay in Casa Particulars. Much better service/accommodations for a lot less money. 

Thanks. I am not aware of the partagas festival, but its my favorite marca so sounds good to me. How long is it and how much does it usually cost? so in general just book flights, tickets and hotel independently is the way to go? i guess i should check out the cuba travel forum as well, thanks!

[Corylax18]

30 minutes ago, Mhansen85 said:

Thanks. I am not aware of the partagas festival, but its my favorite marca so sounds good to me. How long is it and how much does it usually cost? so in general just book flights, tickets and hotel independently is the way to go? i guess i should check out the cuba travel forum as well, thanks!

It runs about a week and cost varies depending on which/how many events you choose. Opening dinner, Beach/Field day, a cigar or rum factory tour sometimes and the closing dinner/auction. I want to say the full itinerary was maybe $600 in 2019. I know someone posted the itinerary here somewhere, but I couldn't find it. 

Yes, book everything separately/yourself. I would also recommend against hotels. They're expensive and not great in the main. There are some smaller, more boutique hotels in Centro Havana that are good, but avoid the large ones. 

[LLC]

10 hours ago, Corylax18 said:

I would suggest you try the Partagas Festival First. If it happens this year (it was cancelled the last two) it happens during the first half of November. Way cheaper, more fun/laid back, and there seems to be at least 1 FOH member at every LCDH in Havana for about a week. 😄 

Tickets for the Partagas Festival could be ordered through Facebook or the stores email directly, that may change the next time they sell them. The Habanos Festival is open to the public, but I've never really looked at buying tickets, So I'm not sure where to point you for that. I'm sure someone can chime in here though. 

In general, I would strongly recommend against most organized tours in Cuba, especially if organized by the Government. (99% of tourism businesses right now) Its highly recommended to hire a driver (some great ones are mentioned in the Cuba travel sub forum) and stay in Casa Particulars. Much better service/accommodations for a lot less money. 

Good advice. The Partagas festival is more for consumers. 

[ATGroom]

11 hours ago, Mhansen85 said:

I know the festival has been cancelled for 2022, but assuming it is going to happen in 2023, i am wondering if it is possible for anyone to attend, how one signs up and what the cost is going to be? are group tours the way to go or is it possible for a few mates to organize themselves? 

In answer to your original question about the main Festival though, yes, anyone can attend. Here is the booking page from 2020 to give you an idea of schedule, prices, how you go about booking it.

https://www.habanos.com/en/news/22nd-habano-festival-registration-next-to-begin/

A similar page will go up around October if the 2023 Festival is happening.