Be inspired by our new offers and inspiring destinations!
Thick cigars are a trademark of Cuba, like rum or salsa. Havana's eight cigar factories produce brands such as Cohiba and Montecristo, which enjoy a worldwide reputation. The most beautiful factory in Havana is located directly on the Capitolio and is called Partagas. There are also tobacco factories in the countryside, especially in the province of Pinar del Rio. The "Vuelta Abajo" region is the main growing area. The tobacco legends Vegas Robaina & Co. live there.
History
The cultivation and consumption of tobacco has its origins in America, long before Columbus and co. conquered the continent. Spanish sailors then brought the drug to Europe, where it quickly spread. As early as 1603, there was resistance to its use, with the King of England doubting its medicinal benefits. Murat IV, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, imposed the death penalty for tobacco consumption in 1633. However, without success, the habit of smoking quickly spread worldwide. As a result, the initial bans were replaced by a targeted tax policy. In the 19th and 20th centuries, cigars and pipes were gradually replaced by cigarettes. In contrast to the pipe and cigar, whose consumption stood for slow enjoyment, the cigarette was an expression of the new zeitgeist. They demonstrated a fast pace, wickedness or the art of living. The consumption of tobacco was particularly popular in Germany. At the beginning of the 1930s, Germany was the largest importer of tobacco in the world. At the time, Adolf Hitler described tobacco as the "revenge of the Indians" on the "white race" for alcohol. Shortly before the Second World War, there was a large-scale awareness campaign about the harmful effects of smoking and passive smoking on health. As a result, non-smoking compartments were introduced on Reichsbahn trains and smoking was banned in public buildings. However, these measures were relaxed again after the outbreak of the Second World War and smoking was a fashionable drug in Europe until the 1980s.
In contrast to most Western countries, nicotine is and has always been socially acceptable in Cuba. There are really rarely smoking bans, even in the waiting room of some Cuban hospitals the smell of medicine sometimes mixes with nicotine. Despite the popularity of cigars, cigarettes, alcohol and relatively unhealthy food, life expectancy in Cuba is above average if you believe the official statistics.
One positive aspect for Cuban smokers is that the tobacco plantations are "organic". Due to a lack of foreign currency, the plantations manage without chemical fertilizers. The addition of addictive substances such as hydrocyanic acid etc. is also frowned upon.
Tobacco factories
Even if you are not a smoker, a visit to the Cuban tobacco factories is always worthwhile. It's like traveling back in time, the cigars are always rolled by hand in the huge and ancient halls, there are no automated processes or machines.
The work of the "torcederos" (cigar rollers) in the rather monotonous work process is made easier by a reader who tells his colleagues the news from the "Granma" (party newspaper) or recites poetry. There are also no limits on smoking breaks. Despite the boring work, the profession of tobacco rolling is popular. There is a minimum number of cigars per day that are rolled for the state, any more than that is considered personal use.
Accordingly, every trafficker on the Cuban black market has a cousin or uncle who is supposedly employed in the local tobacco factories. But be careful: buying cigars on the street is risky. Even if the cigars and boxes look original, the quality is actually always poorer. Only a connoisseur can judge whether it is a fake or the original. The burnt ash should remain on the burning cigar for as long as possible, and it is important that the cigar is only smoked slowly. This is a criterion that is difficult to check in fast black market stores in dark corners.
The cheapest way to buy guaranteed original cigars are the so-called "Marca de la casa" (house brands) in the official state tobacco factories. Even if these do not carry a banderole, they are comparable in quality to the much more expensive branded cigars.
Not only the import of cigars to Europe is limited, but also the export. As long as you cannot produce a purchase receipt from a Cuban state tobacco store, a maximum of 25 cigars may be exported. The Cuban authorities always check your hand luggage when you leave the country.
You might also be interested in
For an unforgettable trip to Cuba, plan your route in advance to experience the most beautiful beaches, historic cities and cultural highlights.
Stay healthy on your trip to Cuba and find out about important health regulations and recommendations before you leave!
Visit our travel information page and discover everything you need to know for your upcoming trip to Cuba. Here you will find details on the best time to travel, information on the time change and recommendations for important health precautions you should take before you leave.
We have compiled all the necessary information for you to ensure that your stay in Cuba is pleasant and smooth. You can also find out more about local customs, safety advice and tips for an authentic and unforgettable stay.