This festival is different to all the predecessors. Actually it starts on day one of the Post-Castro era. So, I must day that I had some mixed feelings about how Havana will bein these days. But, the first impression after some hours shows business as usual.<br><br>

The 10th Habanos Festival Opening Gala started at the famous Karl Marx-Theater in Havanas elegant Mirmara district. Cigar merchants, distributors, aficionados from all over the world as well as the entire Cuban cigar instustrie reps gathered for a short start up inside the hugh Karl Marx. The two co-presidents of Habanos S.A., Oscar Basulo and Buenaventura Jimenz welcomed the audience and Habanos S.A.´s commercial vize president Manuel Garcia Morejon introduced the two cigar stars of the festival - H.Upmann Magnum 50 and Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure Especial. Crownedby some spectacular dance performances the 1000+ visitor then relocated to the most ritzy place in Havana, the Club Havana. <br><br>

About 50 of Cubas most beautyful girls handed the new smokes to the guests and soon after the Havana Beach club was a smoking rave. Enjoying freshly roasted Cuban pork we had some moments to remember under the stars ofthe Caribean sea. More tomorrow, when we will start touring around the Casa del Habano shops around the city. Keep smoking and enjoy your day.