Cuban Cigars: Banned in U.S, Celebrated at Festival Habano 2024

Cuban cigars are revered as some of the finest in the world. Whether you're in Turkey, Dubai, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil or Serbia, their allure transcends borders, cultures and tastes, making them a symbol of luxury and tradition.

Every year, cigar aficionados from around the world come to Havana, Cuba to participate in the Habanos Festival. This year, more than 1,300 people from around 70 countries attended the event.

“There’s no doubt, Cuban cigars are the best in the world,” said Ana, a cigar aficionado from Argentina.

“The [Cuban] cigars? I love it,” said Jonathan, a cigar aficionado from China.

“It’s a ritual, it’s a heritage,” said Lucia from Buenos Aires.

“I'm from Serbia. In the whole region of Eastern Europe Cuban cigars are very accessible,” said Alex.

“There's a very good range of cigar shops in England, in London and across the country. Even in Scotland,” said Jonathan.

“You can find all the Cuban cigars all around the world, except for the U.S.,” said Bahir, who is from Turkey.

U.S. law prohibits the export of Cuban products to the U.S. The Obama administration allowed U.S. citizens and travelers to bring up to 100 Cuban cigars from Cuba or any other country. But Trump reimposed the ban on Cuban cigars for U.S. travelers.

For Fernando, a cigar aficionado from Brazil, this is absurd. “It shouldn’t be illegal to bring them into the U.S.,” he said.

“They miss out on the best cigars in the world because they want to punish Cuba,” said Claudio, a cigar aficionado from Brazil.

“It's a little bit of a shame because they can’t enjoy cigars the way that we do,” said Jonathan. “But I'm sure the real cigar lovers, they always find a way.”

“I hope when they travel somewhere outside of the U.S. they can enjoy the Cuban cigars,” said Alex.

“Americans who come to Argentina to buy Cuban cigars go crazy,” said Ana.

“People from the U.S. should be given more freedom to enjoy these things,” said Ruben, a cigar aficionado from Mexico.

“If I had to advise someone who's never been to Cuba, who's never tried Cuban cigars, I'd say: ‘Come to Cuba, smoke Cuban cigars and be happy,’” said Ana.