Estival
Estival: A Unique Cigar Festival Experience
Cigar festivals are a celebration of the art and culture of cigar smoking, and Europe is home to some of the most renowned events in the world. The Habanos Festival in Cuba, the Intertabac Trade Fair in Germany, and the Cigar Smoking World Championship are just some examples of such festivals. However, if you are looking for a unique experience, then the Estival festival in Italy might be just what you need.
The town of Matelica in central Italy hosts the annual Estival festival. This festival is a celebration of all things related to cigars, including traditional Italian cigar-making techniques, tobacco appreciation and pairing, and of course, plenty of cigar smoking. The festival takes place over a weekend in July and attracts cigar enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.
The history of cigar-making in Italy is a long and storied one. The first cigar factory in the New World was established in Mexico in the early 17th century, and cigar production soon spread to other parts of the region. By the late 19th century, Italy had become a leading producer of cigars, with factories in cities such as Turin, Naples, and Florence. Today, Italy is known for its high-quality hand-rolled cigars, and this tradition is celebrated at Estival.
One of the unique features of Estival is the inclusion of the Italian Slow Food movement. Slow Food, which originated in Italy, is a movement that advocates for locally sourced and traditionally prepared food. At Estival, Slow Food plays a major role, with local chefs preparing traditional Italian dishes using local ingredients. This is combined with expertly paired wines and spirits, giving attendees a full sensory experience.
Estival is not just a celebration of Italian culture; it is also an international event. Since 2012, the annual China Cigar Festival has been a distinguished gathering for international cigar industries. The festival attracts national cigar factories and foreign experts, making it an excellent opportunity for learning and networking.
Historians generally believe that the cigar was invented by the ancient Mayans, who would wrap tobacco in a palm or plantain leaf and smoke it. Archaeologists have even discovered Mayan pottery depicting smokers with cigars in their mouths. The popularity of cigar smoking spread across Europe during the 16th century when Spanish explorers introduced tobacco to the continent. The cigar eventually became a symbol of luxury and sophistication, and this is still evident today.
At Estival, attendees can learn about the history of the cigar and its importance in Italian and European culture. They can also attend workshops on how to properly cut and light a cigar and how to appreciate the nuances of different blends. There are also opportunities to meet with cigar makers and learn about the techniques they use to create their products.
In conclusion, Estival is a unique cigar festival that celebrates the art and culture of cigar smoking, as well as the Slow Food movement and local Italian culture. With its international attendees and expertly paired wines and spirits, this festival offers a full sensory experience that is not to be missed. Whether you are a seasoned cigar smoker or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating world, Estival is the perfect event for you.