Cuba on Saturday announced the cancelation of its iconic cigar festival, amid a major energy crisis sparked by US pressure on the cash-strapped nation.
In a message to participants, organizers said they were postponing the annual event, scheduled to take place from Tuesday next week to Friday, but did not give a new date.
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.
Photo: AFP
The “Festival del Habano” draws cigar enthusiasts, traders and specialized journalists from around the world, and features an auction of luxury cigars and humidors.
The auction generates several million dollars annually — last year, about US$19.5 million — that are then funneled into the country’s healthcare system.
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.
The US cut off oil deliveries to Cuba from Havana’s key ally Venezuela following the abduction of longtime Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in early last month.
US President Donald Trump also signed an executive order allowing his country to impose tariffs on countries selling oil to Havana.
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.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has accused Trump of wanting to “suffocate” the nation’s economy, which has been under US embargo since 1962.
Last week, the Cuban government detailed a wide-ranging plan to ration fuel and protect essential services.
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