Cuban cigar festival called off as US blockade worsens energy crisis
BBC World
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The annual Habano Cigar Festival in Havana has been postponed indefinitely due to an ongoing fuel shortage exacerbated by the U.S. economic blockade. The organizing committee cited the "complex economic situation" caused by the U.S. sanctions, including power cuts and aviation fuel shortages that have disrupted travel and daily life on the island. This decision highlights the growing impact of the U.S. restrictions on Cuba's economy and its ability to host international events.
The fuel crisis has been intensified by the U.S. intercepting oil shipments from Venezuela, a long-time Cuban ally. Power outages lasting up to 18 hours a day have severely affected critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and water supply systems. Additionally, several airlines have suspended flights to Cuba due to the lack of aviation fuel, further isolating the island nation.
Cuba's tourism industry, already limited by U.S. travel restrictions, has been hit hard by these developments. The Habano Festival, which attracts over 1,300 enthusiasts from nearly 70 countries annually, serves as a significant cultural and economic event for Cuba. Organizers expressed their commitment to resuming the festival once conditions improve, emphasizing the importance of preserving this international tradition.
The U.S. government has continued to tighten its grip on Cuba since Fidel Castro's revolution in 1959, imposing economic sanctions that have lingered for decades. While there were efforts under former President Barack Obama to ease tensions, the Trump administration reversed many of these measures. The ongoing restrictions have been labeled by UN human rights experts as an "extreme form of unilateral economic coercion."
The cancellation of the festival underscores the broader challenges facing Cuba due to its strained relationship with the U.S. It not only highlights the impact on cultural events but also sheds light on the daily struggles faced by Cubans, from healthcare shortages to limited access to basic necessities. The situation in Cuba serves as a reminder of the long-term effects of economic sanctions and their ripple effects on global affairs.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/14/2026