La Aurora, the oldest cigar factory in the Dominican Republic, welcomed Procigar Festival 2025 participants on February 20 and 21 for an exclusive tour that provided a firsthand look at the cigar-making process—from the greenhouse to the final product.
This year, the “From Seed to Smoke” experience offered guests an in-depth understanding of every stage, from seed cultivation to the moment a cigar is lit and enjoyed for its exceptional quality.
The event began with welcoming remarks from Don Guillermo León, President of La Aurora, and Mr. Iturbides Zaldívar, Director of Marketing and Sales, as they enjoyed Kora cafe, part of La Aurora’s corporate portfolio. Made from carefully selected Arabica beans and expertly roasted, Kora set the perfect tone for this unique experience.
The tour kicked off at the greenhouse and farm, guided by Agricultural Engineer Leoncio Cruz, where attendees explored the process from seed selection to the curing barns. The experience culminated in an insightful seminar led by Manuel Inoa, La Aurora’s Master Blender.
In the second half of the tour, guests visited the factory, where they witnessed every step of the cigar-making process firsthand. From leaf selection and rolling to box design, they experienced the artistry and passion that define La Aurora.
Participants also took part in a smoker’s panel focus group, where they sampled the exceptional quality of the tobacco and discovered the unique characteristics of an exclusive cigar set to launch later this year.
The day concluded with a memorable lunch featuring great food, live music, and the opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and industry experts.
La Aurora sincerely thanks all participants for being part of this exclusive Procigar Festival 2025 experience and looks forward to welcoming them back next year to continue celebrating Dominican tobacco culture at its finest.