Opening Night In Havana
Sometimes Habanos S.A. can have a flair for the dramatic, and this is especially true on opening night, which is the most casual of all the events during the Habanos Festival. But with its cinematic presentations and soaring soundtracks, opening night is also the most energetic. In a few days, everyone will be in gowns and tuxedos, but on this night, it’s more about comfort and fun.
Held at Club Habana (once the Biltmore Yacht Club a very long time ago), the evening event was dedicated to the 30-year anniversary of Habanos S.A. as a company. The organization was called Cubatabaco before it changed in 1994.
Before the party started, there was a sort of pre-party in the front of Club Habana where drinks were served and people rifled through their gift bags looking for something to smoke. And there was plenty to smoke. Because the night was for Habanos as a whole rather than any particular brand, everyone got a beautiful sampler containing all the major Cuban labels, everything from a Cohiba Siglo IV to a Partagás Serie P No. 2. If they didn’t want to break the box, they could light up a Montecristo Wide Edmundo or the new figurado-shaped Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 3. I chose the Monty.
When the music started—a cinematic score meant to evoke importance and awe—everyone looked up. Brand logos were projected onto Club Habana’s beautiful façade before two movie screens showed a short, congratulatory film with the “who’s who” of Habanos all wishing Habanos well for its 30th anniversary.
Once the speeches, movies and grandiose slide shows were over, the evening’s guests—and there were easily hundreds—all moved into and then behind Club Habana to start our social smoking. It was a heady and considerably large affair, with four bands playing. I remember coming to parties here in the past, but I don’t remember it being quite so crowded.
The Habanos Festival isn’t like other festivals where all the evening events are included in the cost. In Cuba, it’s more of an a la carte affair, where you pay for each party individually, and can pick and choose which ones you want to attend (although the final evening always sells out quickly). Of course, I go to all of them, but I don’t have a favorite. They all have their own place in the festival and, like so many things, each one is what you make of it.
Cigar Aficionado is in Cuba all week covering the Habanos Festival, so check back for updates every day.
