Cuba Postpones Habanos Festival Amid Fuel Crisis
Habanos S.A. postponed the 26th Habanos Festival citing fuel shortages linked to a U.S. blockade and airline jet-fuel suspensions, organizers said Feb. 14.
Overview
Habanos S.A. announced on Feb. 14 that the 26th Habanos Festival, due the last week of February, would be postponed to preserve its high standard of quality.
Organizers said the postponement stemmed from a fuel crisis and the "intensification of the economic, commercial and financial blockade" by the United States, Cubatabaco said.
The government detailed plans on Feb. 6 to protect essential services and ration fuel as it navigates the deepening crisis.
Three Canadian airlines suspended flights on Feb. 9 after Cuba warned there would be no jet fuel after Feb. 10, and the festival typically draws more than 1,300 people from about 70 countries.
Habanos S.A. said it will announce a new date "in a timely manner" and that the postponement aims to protect the festival's international prestige.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as the humanitarian fallout of a US 'blockade', foregrounding Cuban and UN voices while portraying US actions (seizing oil shipments) as exacerbating the energy crisis. Editorial choices—opening with the festival cancellation, repeated 'blockade' language and hospital-impact details—emphasize harm; US policy rationale is scarcely presented.
Sources (3)
FAQ
The Habanos Festival is the world's most prestigious event dedicated to premium Cuban cigars, organized by Habanos S.A., featuring factory visits, new releases, tastings, seminars, and gala events for over 1,300 attendees from 70 countries.[2]
It was postponed due to a fuel crisis in Cuba, linked to the U.S. economic blockade and suspensions of jet fuel for airlines, to maintain the event's high quality standards.[Story]
The crisis stems from the intensification of the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade, leading to fuel rationing for essential services and no jet fuel availability after February 10.[Story]
Three Canadian airlines suspended flights on February 9 after Cuba warned of no jet fuel after February 10, impacting travel for events like the festival.[Story]
Habanos S.A. stated it will announce a new date in a timely manner to protect the festival's international prestige.[Story]
History
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