XXVI Festival Del Habano - Feb 23rd to 27th (H. Upmann, Trinidad, Cohiba 60th)

[LaoFan]

It might be the last one. Based on most recent updates it might not even make it for this one. Hopefully things are calm. Despite the obvious uncertainty and rough situation, Cuba is beautiful, Cubans are beautiful, and I can't wait to see all my friends. This time I'm even headed with tickets in hand.

Who else is making the pilgrimage?

[Salomones]

Looks like the new Magnum 48 will be shown on the first day. 

[riderpride]

I won't be there, but good luck brother. I hope you have a great time!

Cheers

[Chibearsv]

I know you’ll post photos. Looking forward to attending vicariously through you. Have fun!

[ATGroom]

If it's possible to be there, I'll be there.

For me the big question mark will be whether they can reliably refuel the planes. If the reports are accurate then it seems likely that a lot of flights may be cancelled in the coming weeks.

[gormag38]

I hope it all works out well for you brother! I'd love to see your photos and attend vicariously through you (and others) there. 

[gojira]

They should hand out a Salomon No.2 at the festival. I'm curious which marca it will be. They have recently been rolled at La Corona, a very nice and rare vitola, my money is on Cuaba since it's the 30th anniversary but the ones we sampled didn't taste much like Cuaba.

[SUP8333]

Just enjoy it. Imagine if the blockade actually happens on the week where there are the MOST tourists on the island. The worse that can happen is having no food and an unlimited supply of cigars.

[JohnnyO]

On 2/1/2026 at 12:55 PM, ATGroom said:

If it's possible to be there, I'll be there.

For me the big question mark will be whether they can reliably refuel the planes. If the reports are accurate then it seems likely that a lot of flights may be cancelled in the coming weeks.

Plan B:

Due to US rules, planes coming in from the US cannot refuel in Cuba. So they have enough fuel to come back. You get stuck you can get a one way to Miami (AA) (Delta), Tampa (SW) or Houston (United). You get really stuck I'll get you on. I have all the contacts in T2 and T3. John

[ATGroom]

3 hours ago, JohnnyO said:

Plan B:

Due to US rules, planes coming in from the US cannot refuel in Cuba. So they have enough fuel to come back. You get stuck you can get a one way to Miami (AA) (Delta), Tampa (SW) or Houston (United). You get really stuck I'll get you on. I have all the contacts in T2 and T3. John

It's a nice idea, but may be more complicated for those of us who are ineligible for US ETSAs due to visiting state sponsors of terrorism.

Anyway, the main concern at the moment is getting there. Once that is achieved we can look at how to get out.🤣

[JohnnyO]

3 hours ago, ATGroom said:

It's a nice idea, but may be more complicated for those of us who are ineligible for US ETSAs due to visiting a state sponsors of terrorism.

Anyway, the main concern at the moment is getting there. Once that is achieved we can look at how to get out.🤣

On 2/1/2026 at 12:55 PM, ATGroom said:

If it's possible to be there, I'll be there.

For me the big question mark will be whether they can reliably refuel the planes. If the reports are accurate then it seems likely that a lot of flights may be cancelled in the coming weeks.

Plan B:

Due to US rules, planes coming in from the US cannot refuel in Cuba. So they have enough fuel to come back. You get stuck you can get a one way to Miami (AA) (Delta), Tampa (SW) or Houston (United). You get really stuck I'll get you on. I have all the contacts in T2 and T3. John

I envision you getting off the plane in Miami, jumping a fence, Bruce Willis or Mel Gibson are taking shots at you. Pres is waiting with a private plane and off to OZ you are. John

[El Presidente]

3 hours ago, JohnnyO said:

I envision you getting off the plane in Miami, jumping a fence, Bruce Willis or Mel Gibson are taking shots at you. Pres is waiting with a private plane and off to OZ you are. John

I can't wait for them to do an AI search when Alex is forced to go through Miami on the way home. 

First photo to come up...

[benfica_77]

On 2/1/2026 at 12:55 PM, ATGroom said:

If it's possible to be there, I'll be there.

For me the big question mark will be whether they can reliably refuel the planes. If the reports are accurate then it seems likely that a lot of flights may be cancelled in the coming weeks.

Alex you already have the castaway look going on you're ready to live on a deserted Island for a couple months. 

Swim to Canada you have always a place to stay.

[KCCubano]

15 hours ago, El Presidente said:

I can't wait for them to do an AI search when Alex is forced to go through Miami on the way home. 

First photo to come up...

That Middle Eastern Hashish is good stuff lol.

[JohnnyO]

Some unfortunate news just surfaced last night. Cuba has said that they will not re-fuel planes coming in from long distance as of today midnight. The commentary is that they would have to re-fuel in another country. Apart from picking up stranded passengers I don't know how that makes business sense. The lines this weekend for fuel at 33rd Ave and 42 St (Playa) were incredible, it never ended. I noticed many had tanks more than usual. So I asked some in line what's with all the tanks and they said "It's 1300 cup/liter on the street ($2.65 USD/liter), here its only $1.30/liter." The police were there including the red berets to control the lines and eliminate the hustlers that would jump you in line for 5000cup ($10USD). Don't know if they were going to re-sell or store it but that was a bad sign. John

[MrBirdman]

Good luck finding flights to the festival. 

[MrBirdman]

6 hours ago, JohnnyO said:

Apart from picking up stranded passengers I don't know how that makes business sense.

It doesn't. Cuba could organize charter flights from Central America with round trip fuel for the festival crowd. The cost, safety, and weight issues make it relatively unviable as a regular route, although it is technically possible. Airfares will be higher I would expect. 

[ha_banos]

When they have eyes of $$$ https://halfwheel.com/habanos-s-a-reports-827-million-in-revenue-for-2024-a-14-7-percent-increase/447655/#:~:text=Habanos S.A. Reports $827 Million,in revenue to its books.

They'll do anything. And now they won't have to give 50% to Chen Zhi. This is what they'll be eyeing up. If they can get those rich people to come!

2024: $827 million (16% increase over 2023)

2023: $721 million (31% increase over 2022)

2022: $545 million (Reported at the 2023 festival)

2021: $568 million

2020: ~$500-537 million.