2-28-09, 4:54 pm

HAVANA, Cuba, Feb 28 (acn) Seven Cuban cigar humidors were auctioned to raise funds for the Cuban healthcare system during the gala evening that brought to a close the 11th Habano Festival in Havana.

More than 1,000 visitors from 73 countries attended the evening organized by the Habanos S.A. corporation, along with the TabaCuba enterprise at the Pabexpo showroom. The event was presided over by Cuban Parliament President Ricardo Alarcon.

The highest price (350,000 Euros) was for the Cohiba humidor, containing 400 mixed cigars from its line.

The Hoyo de Monterrey and Romeo y Julieta humidors were sold for 140,000 Euros each, rounded out by collections from H.Upmann, Partagás, Montecristo and Trinidad.

The humidors, as well as the cigar boxes, were carved by Cuban craftsmen from precious hardwoods.

Manuel Garcia, vice-president of Habanos S.A., hosted the world launching of the Cohiba Gran Reserva Siglo VI cigar, made using select aromatic leaves from the 2003 harvest and aged for five years which give the cigars a unique flavor.

Only 5,000 boxes with 25 cigars each have been produced.

The Habanos 2008 Awards were presented to the following winners: Max Gutmann (Mexico) in the category of Business, Oleg Chechilov (Russia) Communications, and Armando Miguel Padrón (Cuba) for Production.

The evening included a cultural program with several local acts including the Liz Alfonso Ballet Company and the Racatan band.