Last week, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) had the privilege of serving as a partner at the 18th annual Procigar Festival in the Dominican Republic — a week that once again demonstrated why the country remains a global leader in premium handmade cigars.
Procigar concluded this year’s festival with a record-setting Gala Dinner and charity auction that raised more than $618,000 in support of charitable initiatives across the Dominican Republic. But beyond the impressive fundraising total, the week reinforced something deeper: the strength, unity, and cultural importance of the Dominican premium cigar sector.
Nearly 1,000 international guests from more than 40 countries attended the festival, participating in factory tours, field visits to tobacco plantations, educational seminars, tastings, and the signature social events that have become hallmarks of Procigar.
For PCA, being present as a partner was both meaningful and strategic. Our association represents retailers and stakeholders who depend on the integrity of the supply chain, the craftsmanship of manufacturers, and the continued prestige of premium cigars worldwide. Witnessing the Dominican industry come together under this year’s theme — “Our Soil and Soul” — underscored the foundation upon which so much of our business is built.
A Week That Showcased Craft and Culture
The festival opened with its Warm-Up Party before moving into a series of immersive experiences designed to connect attendees directly to the land and people behind Dominican cigars. From walking tobacco fields in the Cibao Valley to observing the meticulous processes inside member factories, guests were reminded that premium cigars are agricultural products shaped by climate, soil, and human hands.
The Welcome Dinner carried particular significance this year, with the presence of Dominican President Luis Abinader Corona, signaling the national importance of the cigar industry to the country’s economy and global reputation. The White Dinner Party once again stood as a social centerpiece of the week — an elegant evening that blended camaraderie, celebration, and Caribbean culture.
A Record-Setting Gala and Charity Auction
The festival concluded with an elaborate Gala Dinner, featuring a creative audiovisual presentation highlighting Procigar member companies and emphasizing unity within the association.
During the evening, Procigar President Litto Gomez addressed attendees, reflecting on the meaning of “Our Soil and Soul” — a tribute to the fertile land that produces world-class tobacco and to the people whose dedication transforms that leaf into cigars admired worldwide.
The highlight of the evening was the annual humidor auction. This year’s auction raised $618,188, including additional contributions. Among the notable bids:
- $150,000 for “Les Chaînes de l’Amour” by Tabacalera Fuente
- $51,000 for “Espejo de Litto” by La Flor Dominicana
- $46,000 for “María Victoria Palma (MVP)” by Tabacalera Palma
- $45,000 for “Horses and Tobacco” by De Los Reyes
- $44,000 for “Family Creed: Fuerte Sol” by La Aurora
Proceeds will benefit charitable institutions dedicated to healthcare, social assistance, and community development in the Dominican Republic — a reminder that the industry’s success carries a philanthropic responsibility.
Beyond the auction, Procigar continues to advance its “A Home for My Family” initiative, which provides dignified housing to factory employees and reinforces the human dimension of the cigar industry.
Looking Ahead
For PCA, partnership with Procigar reflects a shared commitment: preserving the heritage, reputation, and future of premium cigars.
The Dominican Republic is one of the countries that plays a central role in the global premium cigar supply chain. Understanding the agricultural realities, labor expertise, and generational knowledge behind these products is not theoretical — it is essential. Events like Procigar provide firsthand insight into the craftsmanship, discipline, and collaboration required to bring a cigar from seed to shelf.
As retailers navigate regulatory challenges, evolving consumer expectations, and a competitive marketplace, experiences like Procigar offer perspective. They reconnect the business side of cigars to the soil, the factories, and the families responsible for the product.
The 18th Procigar Festival concluded with a celebratory performance reflecting the vibrancy of Dominican and Caribbean culture — a fitting close to a week that balanced commerce, craftsmanship, and community.
On behalf of the Premium Cigar Association, we extend our appreciation to Procigar and its member companies for their partnership and hospitality.
For PCA retail members who have not yet attended, Procigar is more than a festival. It is an opportunity to walk the fields, meet the rollers, speak directly with manufacturers, and gain a deeper understanding of how the cigars in your humidors are grown, blended, and brought to market.
We encourage you to consider attending a future Procigar Festival — to witness firsthand the soil and soul behind one of the most important premium cigar-producing nations in the world.
Learn more about the Procigar at procigar.org.
Photos courtesy of the Procigar.