The influence of torcedors in Cuban society

The profession of torcedor, master craftsman of the cigar industry, is shaped by centuries of tradition, skill, and passion. Without the talent and devotion of these men and women, the art of the cigar as we know it today would be nothing more than an unattainable ideal. While this artisan role is well known among cigar enthusiasts, few realize how important this profession has been in the evolution of Cuban society. In this article, we wanted to show you how the torcedors have helped shape various aspects of Cuba’s culture, economy, and international influence.

Influence of torcedors on Cuban politics

As early as the end of the 19th century, the torcedors came together around shared demands and played an active role in the formation of trade unions. At the time, Cuba was facing major social, political, and economic changes, particularly under the influence of the Spanish colonial regime.

Associations such as the Sociedad de Socorros Mutuos de Artesanos (Société de Secours Mutuels des Artisans) in Havana (1860), the Sociedad de Resistencia de Tabacaleros de la Habana (1878), and the Sociedad de Resistencia de Oficios Varios de la Habana (SROVH) in 1886 were created and enabled workers to make their voices heard.

Committed to defending workers’ rights, these organizations were behind the first strikes in Cuba. They allowed workers to advocate for better working conditions, particularly in terms of wages, social rights, reduced working hours, and access to education.

The union movement of the torcedors thus played a crucial role in awakening the working-class conscience in Cuba. It brought workers together around common demands and helped forge a collective identity rooted in the principles of solidarity and the defense of workers’ rights. This tradition of resistance has transcended generations, inspiring other sectors of Cuban society to mobilize in defense of their interests.

Influence of torcedors on the Cuban economy

In Cuba, the tobacco industry is one of the country’s economic pillars. As an essential part of this industry, the work of torcedors plays a major role in the development of the local economy in several ways.

Torcedors are first and foremost at the heart of the manufacturing process for premium cigars. Their expertise contributes to the quality and reputation of habanos and plays a significant role in global demand for Cuban cigars. Yet tobacco accounts for the country’s second-largest export sector after mineral products.

By shaping and sustaining the brand image of Cuban cigars, torcedors make a significant contribution to the country’s economy. This sector also employs a large number of people, which helps create jobs and support the local economy.

Some torcedors have also contributed directly to the creation of prestigious cigar brands. This is the case with Cohiba. As a little piece of history, Cohiba was born at the initiative of Fidel Castro, but owes its greatness to the expertise of Eduardo Rivera, a torcedor from the La Corona factory.

After tasting a fuma (a cigar rolled for personal use) made by Rivera, Fidel Castro decided to open a production facility in a former mansion in Cubanacán. Enchanted by these cigars, he hired Rivera as a personal torcedor and tasked him with training the workforce at the El Laguito factory. Without Rivera, the most famous of all Cuban cigar brands would never have seen the light of day.

The role of torcedors in Cuban tourism

If Cuba is famous for its white-sand beaches, vibrant music, and retro atmosphere, its appeal also owes much to the figure of the torcedor. This bearer of tradition, guardian of Cuban cultural heritage, attracts and fascinates tourists from around the world who come to Cuba in search of authenticity.

During visits to cigar factories and tobacco plantations, these travelers have the privilege of observing torcedors at work and interacting with them directly. This close connection allows them to deepen their understanding of the cigar-making process and helps strengthen the brand image of Cuban cigars abroad. The presence of torcedors and their contribution to the prominence of the tobacco industry therefore play a significant role in Cuba’s tourist appeal.

Role of torcedors in the emancipation of women in Cuba

In the late 1960s, the Cuban government introduced measures aimed at including more women in the production of premium cigars. Before that, only 5% of the workforce in this industry was made up of women. Cubatabaco, under the orders of Fidel Castro, therefore organized programs aimed at training women in the art of being a torcedor. Initially centered in Havana, this plan was later expanded across the entire country, and more than 10,000 women were able to take part.

Between 1966 and 1970, the famous El Laguito factory was one of the first training centers for torcedoras. When it was converted into a production factory in the early 1970s, this building became the first cigar factory to employ female rollers. Thanks to this initiative, the number of women employed as torcedoras increased considerably. According to the latest estimates, Cuban factories now employ an average of 75% women torcedoras compared with only 35% men torcedors.

The inclusion of women in traditionally male professions, such as torcedor, has paved the way for significant cultural change. In particular, it has given women access to training programs and helped strengthen their skills, thereby improving their employability. It has also enabled them to achieve a degree of economic independence and gain social recognition. By challenging gender stereotypes and strengthening the role of women in society, the profession of torcedor has thus helped accelerate the process of women’s emancipation in Cuba.

Torcedors have therefore exerted a major influence on Cuban society, both socially and politically, as well as economically and culturally. Their role as guardians of cultural heritage, players in Cuba’s economy and prestige, and active members of the community has earned the profession of torcedor a place in the Cuban national cultural heritage in 2012.

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