Ybor City's last cigar artisans preserve a century-old Cuban tradition

Step into Ybor City's past, where the scent of tobacco still lingers and every cigar tells a story. Meet the families keeping a fading art alive—one hand-rolled leaf at a time.

, and Administrator

2026 March 19 . 4:02 PM

1 min read

The image shows a black and white drawing of a group of people working in a field, with some of... — The image shows a black and white drawing of a group of people working in a field, with some of them carrying baskets on their heads. At the bottom of the image, there is text which reads "Cuba's tobacco industry in the 19th century". The people in the image are surrounded by plants, suggesting that they are working in the tobacco industry.

Ybor City's last cigar artisans preserve a century-old Cuban tradition

Ybor City has long been famous for its hand-rolled cigars. For over a century, the scent of tobacco has filled its streets, earning it the nickname 'Cigar Capital of the World.' Today, a small number of family-run businesses, including La Faraona Cigars, keep this heritage alive with traditional craftsmanship and deep Cuban roots.

La Faraona Cigars sits at 1315 E 7th Avenue, right in the centre of Ybor City. The family-owned business preserves the cigar-making techniques brought to Tampa by Cuban immigrants generations ago. Nearby, just a few blocks from the lounge, their factory continues to produce cigars by hand.

Visitors can step inside to watch skilled rollers at work. Afterward, they can relax in the lounge with a freshly made cigar while soaking in the neighbourhood's vibrant Latin culture. The business does more than sell cigars—it serves as a cultural hub, blending music, art, and the lively spirit of Ybor City. At one time, Ybor City churned out hundreds of millions of cigars each year. Now, only about five to seven traditional manufacturers remain, including J.C. Newman Cigar Company, Tabanero, and Sanchez y Haya. For the family behind La Faraona, each cigar represents a piece of history, ensuring the city's identity endures.

La Faraona Cigars offers both a product and an experience. Customers leave with more than just tobacco—they take part in a tradition that has shaped Ybor City for decades. The business remains a living link to the past, keeping Cuban heritage alive in Tampa.