US Edition
Cuban cigar festival called off as US blockade worsens energy crisis
The postponement aims to preserve event quality amid severe fuel shortages caused by the U.S. embargo, with the festival drawing over 1,300 attendees from 70 countries annually.
- On Saturday, Cuba announced the postponement of the Festival del Habano in Havana due to a major energy crisis worsened by US pressure, organisers said the decision responds to the island's economic squeeze.
- The United States government cut off oil deliveries from Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro's ouster, worsening Cuba's fuel shortages, US President Donald Trump signed tariffs affecting countries selling oil to Havana.
- A shortage of aviation fuel has led Air Canada and other airlines to suspend Cuba flights, while power cuts of up to 18 hours have affected hospital wards and over 1,300 participants from around 70 countries attending Festival del Habano.
- Habanos SA said the postponement aims to preserve the festival’s "highest standards of quality, excellence and experience" and the Festival del Habano organising committee is working on rescheduling later this year.
- The festival auction normally provides several million dollars for Cuba's health care, about $19.5 million last year, while UN human rights experts called Washington's restrictions an "extreme form of unilateral economic coercion".
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Workers of the world, rise up to defend Cuba!
Cuba is now facing an almost complete blackout after Trump imposed an oil blockade on the island. The aim is clear. US imperialism sees an opportunity to finally crush the Cuban Revolution after 67 years of relentless assault. It is the duty of the world’s working-class movement to rally to the defence of the Cuban Revolution.
The annual cigar festival in the Cuban capital Havana has become the latest victim of fuel shortages caused by the US oil blockade on the island.
In addition to sugar and rum, cigars are one of Cuba's most important export goods. In Havana there is an annual festival for fans, dealers and experts. This year it is postponed indefinitely due to the economic crisis. Important revenues were generated at the event.
Havana. The emblematic Festival del Habano, one of the most important forums in the world sector of the famous Cuban cigars, was postponed due to the tense energy situation of the island following pressure from the United States, which cut off the oil supply to the island.
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