Cigar Journal reported this morning that this month’s XXVI Festival del Habano, scheduled to take place in Havana, Cuba from 23 to 27 February 2026, has been postponed. Similar reports later followed from Half Wheel and Cigar Aficionado.

According to the publication, the decision had been under consideration for some time and was finalised more than a month ago. The report states that recent developments concerning aviation fuel supplies were not cited as the primary reason, although wider logistical challenges have featured in international coverage.

In its article, Cigar Journal attributes the postponement to the broader domestic situation in Cuba, writing that current conditions “neither allow nor make it advisable to hold a festival that, moreover, is a benchmark in the world of luxury.” The publication adds that the event is expected to take place “when conditions in Cuba allow for hosting an event of this magnitude and importance,” though no revised date has been announced.

In the days leading up to the report, there had already been speculation online. One major UK cigar retailer had publicly confirmed on social media that it would no longer attend this year’s festival, citing concerns around logistics and conditions on the ground.

Earlier this week, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for Cuba, advising against all but essential travel. The guidance referenced ongoing infrastructure disruption, including nationwide power outages and fuel shortages.

At the time of writing, no separate public statement from Habanos S.A. had appeared on its official channels. Cigar Journal reports that some international distributors have begun contacting clients regarding ticket refunds.

This is not the first time the Festival del Habano has faced disruption. The 2021 edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the 23rd festival, scheduled for February 2022, was also called off while international travel restrictions remained in place. During that period, Habanos S.A. hosted smaller-scale and virtual initiatives instead.

The festival is widely regarded as one of the most prominent events in the global premium cigar calendar, typically bringing together distributors, retailers and enthusiasts from around the world for factory visits, seminars and gala events in Havana.

As of 14th February 2026, Habanos S.A. has confirmed that this year’s festival has been postponed. More information is available here.