On October 18th, Lisbon hosted the eleventh edition of Habanos Day, Portugal’s most prestigious event dedicated to the world of Habanos and Cuban culture. The celebration took place at Montes Claros – Lisbon Secret Spot, an elegant venue that welcomed around 200 people for a day defined by tradition, excellence, and a festive spirit among aficionados, professionals, and premium brands gathered to share their passion for the unique art of the Habano.

Organized by the Embassy of Cuba in Portugal, Habanos Day has become the country’s leading event for collectors and Habano lovers. Each edition highlights the most authentic expressions of Cuban culture, Habanos, spirits, music, and art.

The evening began with a warm welcome, experiencing the Reyes vitola (40 x 110 mm) from the renowned Trinidad brand, a medium-strength Habano that introduced guests to a refined sensory journey. The kick-off was marked by a moving retrospective of the most memorable moments from the past ten editions, during which participants enjoyed the Portugal’s 2020 Regional Edition San Cristóbal de La Habana Saudade, Edmundo vitola (52 x 135 mm), mild to medium in strength, paired with an exclusive selection of Sandeman Port wines: Tawny 10Y, 20Y, 30Y, and Sandeman Vintage 2018 and 2000.

Mr. Pedro Rocha, General Director of Empor S.A., the exclusive distributor of Habanos in Portugal; His Excellency Mr. José Ramón Saborido Loidi, Ambassador of Cuba to Portugal; and Mr. Luis Javier Bosch, Commercial Director of Empor S.A., officially welcomed the attendees, expressing their gratitude for the guests’ continued loyalty and enthusiasm toward the world of Habanos.

One of the event’s highlights was the “Alianza Habanos” session, where participants enjoyed the 2017 Portugal Regional Edition Bolívar Lusíadas, Británicas Extra vitola (48 x 137 mm), a fullstrength cigar, paired with Ximénez Spínola Delicado and the Cigar Club No.1, No.2, and No.3 beverages. The session encouraged an engaging exchange between speakers and guests, combining expertise, tasting, and conviviality.

The afternoon concluded with the traditional ‘Hold on to your Ash’ competition, featuring the Juan López Chiado 1864, Portugal’s 2014 Regional Edition, Petit Robustos vitola (50 x 102 mm), of medium to full in strength. The Habano was paired with Diplomático Single Vintage and Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva rums. During this activity, Mr. Luis Javier Bosch also introduced EMPOR COLLECTION, a new Empor S.A. project dedicated to aged Habanos, which was presented in 2025 with plans for continuity in the years ahead.

The Gala Dinner closed the evening in style, featuring two outstanding Portugal Regional Editions: El Rey del Mundo Templarios (2021), Magnum 54 vitola (54 x 120 mm), mild to medium strength, and Saint Luis Rey Adamastor (2023), Laguito Especial vitola (40 x 192 mm), full strength and recently released. These remarkable Habanos were paired with fine wines from Sogrape (Casa Ferreirinha Callabriga, Quinta de Azevedo Alvarinho Escolha, and Ars Collecta Codorníu Blanc de Blancs) and Ximénez Spínola Delicado from Bodegas Ximénez Spínola.

During dinner, the winners of the day’s activities were awarded their respective prizes and the organizers expressed their gratitude to the event sponsors: Sogrape, SEL-Salsicharia Estremocense, Ximénez Spínola, Delta Q, ST Dupont, and the magazines Grandes Escolhas and Mais Alentejo.

The celebration was extended by the aromas of Cuba, live traditional music, and an atmosphere of authenticity and sophistication. It was an evening where tradition and innovation came together to offer an unforgettable experience, a true tribute to the heritage and excellence for the Habano lovers in Portugal.