10 Must-See Beaches to visit in Haiti

Haitian traditions

Haiti, the pearl of the Antilles, is a country rich in history and traditions. Its vibrant and diverse culture is reflected through its national holidays, cultural festivities, traditional foods, religious beliefs, folk tales, and traditional games. Let’s immerse ourselves in the social fabric of Haïti to discover the beauty of its traditions. b~National Holidays:~b National holidays in Haïti are moments of pride and national unity as January 1, Independence Day, commemorates the victory of Haitian slaves over French colonial forces in 1804, making Haïti the first independent country in Haiti. Latin America and the Caribbean or the commemoration of the Battle of Vertières on November 18. The Battle of Vertières was one of the last great battles of the revolution. It took place in Vertières, near the town of Cap-Haitien. b~Cultural Festivities:~b Haïti is also famous for its cultural festivities, particularly Carnival, which is an explosion of color, dance, and music. Artistic and craft events, such as the Rara festival, are an opportunity for artists to showcase their talent. The Rara, a musical parade, combines folklore and spirituality, creating a unique experience. b~Traditional Foods:~b Haitian cuisine is a delight for the taste buds. Dishes like griot (fried pork), diri djon djon (rice with black mushrooms), and the legendary joumou (joumou soup) are an integral part of Haitian culinary tradition. Bold flavors, spices and cooking methods inherited from African and French tradition make Haitian cuisine unforgettable. b~Vodou:~b Vodou, often misunderstood, is a synchretic religion that incorporates elements of Catholicism, African animism, and indigenous beliefs. It plays a significant role in the daily lives of Haitians, influencing music, dance, and religious rites. Vodou is a profound expression of Haitian spirituality. The Tales (Krik Krak, Tim Tim, Bwa Sèch): Haitian folk tales, passed down from generation to generation, are rich in morality and wisdom. b~Konbit :~b The concept of Konbit represents community solidarity. Haitians come together to perform community tasks, whether in agricultural fields or for construction projects. It is a living example of the collective spirit that permeates Haitian society. The most recent major project to date concerns the construction of the canal from the Massacre River to Ouanaminthe, which took place between September and December 2023. Thousands of inhabitants of the north of the country mobilized all their forces to erect a canal allowing to collect water intended for irrigation of their plantations, with the aim of obtaining better harvests. Despite their modest means, they were motivated by the slogan "KPK" (Kanal la pap kanpe), a direct response to Dominican President Luis Abinader who warned them and did everything in his power to stop the construction of the canal. This channel represents the deep solidarity of Haitians and reaffirms national pride. Despite economic challenges, the people of northern Haïti have demonstrated exceptional determination to work together for a common goal. The slogan “Kanal la pap kanpe” embodies their resilience in the face of external pressures and demonstrates their unwavering will to continue the construction of the canal. b~Traditional Games:~b Traditional games are an essential part of daily life in Haiti. Games like lido, sote kòd, Yoyo, Ralba, Marèl, TiTaTo, Kay, lago kache, Monte kap, teke mab, woule sèk, twa fwa se manbo, and domino bring people together, promoting camaraderie and fun. Haitian traditions are a harmonious blend of spirituality, community, and cultural diversity. Every aspect, from national holidays to traditional games, helps weave the rich cultural tapestry that makes Haïti proud. These traditions are the beating heart of the nation, a precious heritage that continues to be passed down from generation to generation.

Haiti, the island of a thousand treasures: between nature, culture and the tenacity of its people

Haiti, nicknamed "the Pearl of the Antilles", is distinguished by the richness of its landscapes, its vibrant culture and the tenacity of its people. Its heavenly beaches, majestic mountains and emblematic sites, such as Macaya National Park and Bassin Bleu, are natural treasures that testify to the raw beauty of the island. However, these wonders are jeopardized by ecological challenges such as deforestation and climate change. Its vibrant and diverse culture is echoed in its music, crafts and spiritual traditions such as voodoo. Despite economic and social challenges, it is in the tenacity of its inhabitants that lies the true wealth of Haiti, a people determined to preserve their roots and build a brighter future.

Belle-Anse, a village between tradition, nature and tourist potential

Nestled in the southeast of Haiti, Belle-Anse is a destination that fascinates with its natural beauty and rich history. This small town, still often ignored by major tourist routes, is full of treasures that deserve to be discovered. Its wild beaches, its imposing mountains and its unique historical heritage make Belle-Anse a hidden pearl, ready to seduce travelers in search of authenticity and tranquility. Belle-Anse, founded in the 18th century, still bears the traces of its past. Its history, marked by changes of names and identity, bears witness to the political and social upheavals that have given the region. From the colonial era to the birth of the Republic, each corner of the city tells a part of the history of Haiti. This rich past is combined with a vibrant cultural life, where local festivals, such as the celebration of the Patron Saint every December 10, offer an authentic glimpse into the lives of the inhabitants. The historical remains scattered throughout the city are not only a reminder of the era of colonization, but also of the struggles for independence. These witnesses of the past, combined with a calm and preserved atmosphere, make Belle-Anse a place where history and nature intertwine harmoniously. What distinguishes Belle-Anse is undoubtedly its spectacular natural environment. Ultimately, these beaches before the deserts invite you to relax. Lagan Beach, lined with palm trees and crystal clear waters, offers an idyllic setting for lovers of wild nature, far from the crowds of more frequent tourist destinations. The nearby Bay of Jacmel is a true natural bliss, promising moments of calm and escape. The city is also surrounded by majestic mountains, ideal for those who wish to explore the Haitian landscapes on foot, while discovering a unique biodiversity. While Belle-Anse’s natural resources are rich, they are also fragile, and preserving these areas remains an important issue for the future of the region.

What do you eat in Haiti?

Haitian cuisine is rich and flavorful and is a true reflection of the country’s culture, history and traditions. It combines African, European and indigenous influences to offer diverse and delicious dishes. From everyday meals to traditional feasts, food in Haïti is more than just a way to eat, it’s a cultural experience. Discover with us what they eat in Haiti, and let yourself be seduced by the unique flavors of this Caribbean country.

Timoun se Moun: A poetry competition to promote children’s rights in Haiti

A wounded country. Bent under the weight of a multidimensional crisis. Widespread violence. Hope slammed shut. A sacrificed generation. Children are increasingly threatened. They are increasingly confronted with all forms of vulnerability that hinder their overall development. ACTIF is launching the second edition of the "Timoun se Moun" poetry competition. A citizen initiative in which the organization uses writing as a springboard to build what life deprives Haitian children of. Pain can be turned into gold. For ACTIF (Community Action for Transformation and Formal Integration), poetry is a philosopher’s stone. Not only for this organization, but also for all those who believe that writing can help rekindle the stars. Faced with this urgent need for action, this is "an initiative to raise awareness, denounce, and affirm loud and clear that every child matters, every child deserves protection, hope, and a future," reads the competition’s descriptive document. So what do you intend to do with your human light? Through this competition, participants have the opportunity to engage in an act of resistance, like a cry of conscience to raise the voice of broken childhoods. Open from May 18 to June 18, "Timoun se Moun" is open to all Haitians living in the country and aged 18 and over. Texts must be submitted in Creole. Behind this initiative, ACTIF intends, on the one hand, to affirm our cultural and linguistic identity, and on the other, to enrich our Creole literature, promote it, and encourage creativity in our vernacular. The text must not exceed 500 words. The format chosen is PDF, Times New Roman font, size 12, and 1.5 line spacing. This competition aims to offer a touch of affection to these children who are the first victims of the country’s descent into hell. To evaluate the literary quality and essence of the submitted texts, a jury is composed of Ruthza Paul, Douglas Zamor, and Darly Renois. The former is a physician and winner of the first edition of this competition. The other two work in the fields of sociology, psychology, and literature. In addition to the "Jury Prize: 15,000 HTG + books + certificate" and "Audience Prize: 5,000 HTG + certificate + books" prizes, the best texts will be included in an anthology to be published by Éditions Répérages. It should be noted that there will be one winner for each prize. This initiative reflects ACTIF’s commitment to honoring authors who embrace the cause of underprivileged children while enriching Haiti’s literary heritage. This competition extends a helping hand to all those who believe that through poetry, one can transform one’s life into a masterpiece. At the same time, it offers the opportunity to contribute to ACTIF’s child protection program. Each participant may submit a single text. It must be sent by email to the following address: actifkonkoupwezi@gmail.com. The partial results will be published on June 30, 2025, and the final results on July 18, 2025. For more information, visit ACTIF at the following address: 18 Rue Desdunes, Imp. Thoby, Mahotière 79, Carrefour, Haiti, or contact the organization at the following number: (+509) 38 44 57 57. More than just a contest, ACTIF invites you to say No. No to forgetting. No to passivity. No to violence against children and the violation of their rights.

Haitian Pea Broth: A Tradition to Relive

Once a staple in Haitian homes, pea broth was a true culinary tradition, served almost every Saturday. This nourishing and comforting dish brought families together around the table, offering an explosion of flavors and essential nutritional intake. However, with changing eating habits and the growing influence of fast food, it is prepared less and less by the new generation, at the risk of falling into oblivion. Haitian pea broth is a thick soup prepared with red or black peas, simmered for a long time until they obtain a velvety texture. This broth is then seasoned with local spices such as garlic, thyme, parsley and cloves, then garnished with vegetables such as carrots and spinach. Some variations add pieces of meat, often beef or pork, and small dumplings called "dombrés" "bòy", which give it even more consistency. So why not revive this tradition and prepare a good pea broth this Saturday, like our grandparents did?