Cuban cigar festival on hold, postponed until further notice

The prestigious cigar festival usually attracts visitors from all over the world who want to experience the latest in the famous Cuban craft.

But now the state organizer of the festival announces that this year's festivities, which were supposed to take place during the last five days of February, have been postponed until further notice.

The announcement comes as Cuba experiences its most severe period of fuel shortages and repeated power outages in years. US President Donald Trump has threatened punitive tariffs on countries that supply Cuba with oil. Cuba imports about 60 percent of its energy.

Several cultural events, including a book fair, have also been postponed in Cuba this month.