This week, Havana, Cuba, is bustling with activity as it hosts the 25th edition of the Festival del Habano, welcoming cigar enthusiasts and experts from around the world. The festival takes place from February 24 to 28, 2025. For the full program, click here.

Participants began arriving on Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23, where they registered at the Palco Hotel.

This year marks a significant milestone, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the renowned Romeo y Julieta brand and the 15th anniversary of the prestigious Cohiba Behike brand.

Habanos have announced the following cigars to be released in this year’s festival program:

Romeo Y Julieta Amantes

The XXV Habano Festival opens its doors and receives distinguished and passionate enthusiasts of the Habano world with the exclusive release of ‘Amantes’ under the Romeo y Julieta brand, meticulously selected by Habanos SA in 2025 for its global launch, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the brand. “Amantes” translates to “lovers” in Spanish.

With a unique vitola within the portfolio of the brand, this special edition is displayed with a foot band, ‘Amantes’. Presented in a special 5-unit box, it makes its debut at the Welcome Night of the XXV Habano Festival, an evening that pays tribute to the immortalised passion of the most famous lovers in the literary world, Romeo y Julieta.

Guests invited to the Welcome Evening will be able to purchase a case of 5 units of Romeo y Julieta “Amantes” upon presentation of the Purchase Ticket included in their invitation. The product will be for sale from the first day of the event, although it will only be available for pick-up on Tuesday, February 25th.

Brand: Romeo y Julieta
Vitola: Amantes
Factory name: Sobresalientes
Ring gauge: 53
Length: 153mm
Format: Special boxes of 5 units each
Strength: Medium

H Upmann Gran Reserva

At the exclusive mid-week evening of the XXV Habano Festival, Habanos SA presents the magnificent H. Upmann ‘Magnum 50’ Gran Reserva Cosecha 2019. Designed for the most demanding cigar smokers, this Habano offers exquisite aromas, mild to medium strength, and the classic Magnum Line’s unparalleled flavors, enriched by an additional aging of at least 5 years.

The H. Upmann ‘Magnum 50’ Gran Reserva Cosecha 2019 is presented in a refined 3-pack box during the most monumental night of the XXV Habano Festival and is adorned with a Gran Reserva band equipped with NFC technology.

Mid-week guests will have the opportunity to acquire a box of 3 units of H. Upmann Gran Reserva upon presentation of the Purchase Ticket included in their invitation. The product can be acquired on the first day but will not be available for pick-up until Thursday, February 27th.

Brand: H. Upmann
Vitola: Magnum 50, Gran Reserva Cosecha 2019
Factory Name: Magnum 50
Ring Gauge: 50
Length: 160mm
Format: Special boxes of 3 units each
Strength: Light to medium

Cohiba Behike 58

As mentioned last week, Cohiba has announced the new Behike 58—still no sign of the 59 just yet!

Only a privileged few can enjoy the exclusive magic of the 25th edition of the Habano Festival’s Gala Night. Here, Habanos SA unveils the most iconic collection of the past 15 years: Selección Behike 15 Aniversario.

Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Línea Behike, the most luxurious Línea of Cohiba and the entire Habanos SA portfolio, this special selection presents the new BHK 58. It joins the BHK 52, BHK 54, and BHK 56, consolidating the most versatile line in the Habanos portfolio. In 2025, it debuts a new image featuring a 15th-anniversary cigar band that incorporates NFC technology.

With their distinctive pig-tail format and a unique blend that includes Medio Tempo, which gives them incomparable flavors and aromas, these four ring-gauge vitolas are designed to satisfy the most demanding customers. The Selección Behike 15 Aniversario is undoubtedly a winning choice.

Attendees at the Gala Night will have the opportunity to purchase a box of Behike Selección 15 Aniversario and a box of 3 units of H. Upmann Gran Reserva upon presentation of the Purchase Ticket included in their invitation. The product will be available for acquisition from the first day but will not be available for pick-up until Saturday, March 1st.

Brand: Cohiba Behike
Vitola: Behike 15th Anniversary Selection
Dimensions of the BHK 58:
Ring Gauge: 58
Length: 178mm
Format: Special boxes of 4 units each
Strength: Full

Special thanks to Cut Light Laugh on YouTube for sharing this year’s Habanos Festival program online:

https://youtu.be/-qrSTsJbH10?si=RGe7rUyJj1hVarlY

Later this week, we should also expect updates on the upcoming Habanos World Days 2025, including the announcement of the host country.