From the Renaissance to Cubism, art has always found ways to portray reality—not only through landscapes and figures, but also through everyday objects that are immortalized in paintings and sculptures. One example of this is tobacco.
They say that art imitates reality. This expression does not refer to a literal copy, but rather to the ability to capture the spirit of our world through various creative forms. Historical moments, famous figures, universal emotions… Art is a mirror of humanity and its ways.
It is therefore not surprising that tobacco has found its way into art over the centuries. From being the subject of genre painting to a status symbol, it appears on Mayan pottery, in oil paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, and even in the irreverent art of Sarah Lucas.
As May begins, we recommend three must-see events to celebrate the visual arts and, of course, our Cuban mini cigars.
La Biennale Di Venezia (Venice)
May 9th to November 22nd
The 61st International Art Exhibition is a must-attend event for lovers of contemporary art. Held since 1895; the Venice Biennale presents a new edition under the theme “In Minor Keys.” Conceived by Koyo Kouoh, this concept views art as an interpreter of our social condition and a facilitator of new possibilities.
Held at the Giardini and Arsenale, the Biennale not only offers the chance to discover artists from around the world, but also to visit one of Italy’s most iconic sites. Whether you’re leaving an exhibition, after a gondola ride, or while enjoying a good ristretto, you can’t leave Venice without lighting up a cigarillo that captures the romantic spirit of this city: a Romeo y Julieta Puritos.
NYCxDESIGN (New York)
May 14th to 20th
If your artistic interests extend beyond the visual arts, NYCxDESIGN is the perfect event for you. From architecture and technology to art and entertainment design, this festival brings together a multitude of disciplines that will give you a preview of the latest trends in design and engineering.
But NYCxDESIGN isn’t just about exhibitions: it also offers the chance to attend conferences, explore New York City’s neighborhoods, and attend parties where you can meet people from all over the world. Given its festive and contemporary vibe, we recommend topping off the experience with the soft and vibrant Guantanamera Puritos.
Museum Day (International)
May 18th
Of course, we can’t forget about classical art lovers. If you’re a fan of Baroque, Rococo, or Impressionist painting, mark May 18th on your calendar. This is when International Museum Day is celebrated — a must-attend event for culture lovers.
Throughout the day, museums around the world will offer special programs and evening tours, as well as free admission for visitors. You can wander through the galleries of the Louvre, attend a series of lectures at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires, or seek out works featuring tobacco, such as Francisco Goya’s The Tobacco Guards on display at the Prado Museum.
To wrap things up, we suggest you take a moment to appreciate the artistic and technical beauty of the great masters while enjoying a mini with character, history, and personality—such as a Trinidad Short.
A crucial part of universal culture, art is both a form of expression and a social portrait that captures both major historical moments and anecdotal events. Whether in oil or acrylic, these paintings show us the evolution of society and its customs—including tobacco itself. And what better way to celebrate the artistic beauty and historical legacy of this medium than alongside our favorite Cuban mini cigars.
