Welcome to the Procigar Festival 2025 Pre-Game Report! We are excited to once again bring you coverage of the Dominican Republic’s premier festival. Procigar Festival 2025 is split between two cities: La Romana (February 16-18, 2025) and Santiago (February 18-21, 2025). This year, we will be on the ground in Santiago, bringing you coverage as only Cigar Coop can.
The Basics
Procigar is an organization of cigar manufacturers based in the Dominican Republic. The following are the 12 active members of Procigar:
- Arnold André
- Casa Carrillo
- De Los Reyes Cigars
- General Cigar Dominicana
- La Aurora
- La Flor Dominicana
- Oettinger Davidoff
- PDR Cigars
- Quesada Cigars
- Tabacalera Arturo Fuente
- Tabacalera de Garcia
- Tabacalera Palma
Each year, the group puts on a festival combining farm and factory tours, seminars, and gala evening events. It is directed toward end-consumers and is usually held in February. It is one of three major festivals in the cigar industry, with the others being Festival del Habano (Cuba) and Puro Sabor (Nicaragua). This marks the 17th edition of the Festival, which is expected to attract over 800 attendees from 20 different countries.
If you oversimplify the cigar industry, you can divide the industry into two major categories – production (including agriculture) and distribution. Most cigar events in the U.S. are organized by distribution teams, which often involve company sales representatives. In contrast, the three major cigar festivals focus more on the production aspect of the industry. At these festivals, you won’t encounter many salespeople; instead, you’ll have the opportunity to meet individuals who are involved in cigar cultivation.
Not many products are launched at Procigar, but this year, Altadis is introducing its Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary cigar at the event.
Factory and Farm Tours
The following is the list of companies hosting factory and farm tours. Attendees can participate in one of these tours on Wednesday, February 21, and another one on Thursday, February 22. All tours occur during the Santiago portion of the Procigar Festival 2025. However, there is one exception: the Tabacalera de Garcia tour, which will take place on February 18 in La Romana.
This year, Santiago offers three tours to choose from. In contrast, the previous few years featured only two tours, followed by a Field Day on Friday, which was similar to a multivendor event but without sales. This year, the addition of a third tour replaces the Field Day, offering attendees even more options to explore and enjoy.
- Arnold Andre *
- Casa Carrillo (E.P. Carrillo – Factory) *
- Arturo Fuente (Farm and Factory – Separate Tours)
- Davidoff (Farm and Factory – Separate Tours)
- De Los Reyes Cigars (Factory and Farm Tour) *
- General Cigar (Farm and Factory – Separate Tours)
- La Aurora (Factory)
- La Flor Dominicana (Factory and Farm)
- Quesada Cigars (Factory)
- Tabacalera de Garcia (Altadis – Feb 18, La Romana Portion, Feb 19 Santiago Farm)
- Tabacalera Palma (Factory and Farm)
Procigar informed us last week that an optional planned factory tour to PDR has been cancelled.
* These factories will be visited by Cigar Coop in 2025
One exceptional thing about Procigar farm and factory tours compared to other ones around the year is they incorporate Dominican culture into these events. Serving Dominican cuisine and showcasing Dominican music and arts often highlights this.
Evening Events
- 2/16 Night Golf and Dinner by Tabacalera de Garcia (La Romana)
- 2/17 Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary Dinner at Plaza Chavon (La Romana)
- 2/18 Warm-Up Festival (Residence Inn, Santiago)
- 2/19 Welcome Dinner Party at Parque Central de Santiago
- 2/20 White Dinner Party at Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración
- 2/21 Gala Dinner Party at Centro Español
La Romana
This year, we will not be at La Romana. Procigar will again offer those at La Romana a factory tour of Tabacalera de Garcia and a Catamaran trip to Isla de Catalina. One thing that will be a little different about the Catamaran trip this year is that a tobacco seminar will be held on the island.
In addition, the Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary release (which is being produced at Tabacalera de Garcia) will be celebrated at a special dinner commemorating its launch.
The itinerary of events is similar to 2024, so we encourage you to read our recaps from last year.
- Welcome to La Romana | Procigar 2024
- Tabacalera de Garcia | Procigar 2024
- Epic Encounters | Procigar 2024 (Isla de Catalina)
Tobacco Seminar
Procigar will host a tobacco seminar on Wednesday, February 19, following factory and farm tours that day. The seminar’s topic is “Beyond Blending: A Deep Dive into Maintaining Consistency in a Blend.” It will be led by Michael Herklots, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, and Siegfried Maruschke.
In this seminar, participants will taste various blends, including an original blend. They will also sample both incorrect and correct re-blended variants of that blend, along with individual filler tobaccos.
Charity Auction
Each year, on the final night, a formal dinner with a charity auction takes place. This auction raises funds for low-income families with children and elderly individuals in the Dominican Republic. Members of ProCigar generously donate collectible items and rare cigars to be auctioned off. Michael Herklots will again emcee the event, bringing his charisma and expertise to ensure a memorable experience.
Last year, Luis Abinader, the President of the Dominican Republic, attended the auction.
Host Hotel
The host hotel in Santiago is now the brand-new Residence Inn by Marriott. While the Hodelpa Gran Almirante has served as the host hotel for many years, the change is part of an effort to improve lodging choices. In addition to the Residence Inn, two other hotels will join the lineup: the new AC Marriott and Hodelpa Garden Court. To kick off the event, the welcome reception will take place at the Residence Inn, setting the stage for a warm gathering. This shift to new accommodations reflects a broader trend of increasing hotel options in Santiago, ensuring plenty of choices for guests.
For full Procigar 2025 coverage, see our Procigar 2025 Coverage Hub
Photo Credits: Cigar Coop, except where noted
