Explore the Festivals, Gastronomy and Art of Haiti: An Immersive Dive

November 18 in Haiti: Commemoration of the Battle of Vertières

Every year, on November 18, Haïti celebrates one of the most significant events in its history: the Battle of Vertières. This date, a symbol of courage and determination, recalls the decisive victory of Haitian troops over French colonial forces in 1803, thus paving the way for the independence of Haiti, proclaimed on January 1, 1804.

Livre en Folie: the great book festival in Haiti

Livre en Folie, this annual event long awaited by literature enthusiasts in Haiti, will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the Caribe Convention Center hotel in Juvénat. Indeed, Le Nouvelliste, in collaboration with its usual partners, invites the Port-au-Prince public to come and celebrate, for the thirtieth time, the great intellectual wealth of Haitian writers and other thinkers, in this great annual book fair. This year, the entrance fee is set at 1,000 gourdes, which will be returned to you in the form of coupons, in order to be able to buy books once inside. Thirty years after the first edition, livre en folie has become a pillar of Haitian literary life and a highlight of the Haitian year. This year, it will take place in a particularly difficult context for the country, both economically and in terms of security, but will still have the merit of bringing together thousands of Haitians around the subject of the book.

Haiti, a jewel to discover

Looking for a change of scenery, breathtaking landscapes, and a unique cultural immersion? Haïti is a little-known destination full of treasures to discover. From its heavenly beaches to its verdant mountains, its captivating history and its gastronomy rich in flavors, Haïti seduces adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike. In this article, dive into the wonders of this Caribbean island and discover why Haïti is a jewel to absolutely explore.

Jean-Jacques Dessalines, leader of the Haitian Revolution

In the annals of the history of Haiti, an island located in the Caribbean at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico and shared with the Dominican Republic, Jean-Jacques Dessalines emerges like a phoenix from the ashes of oppression. Born a slave on September 20, 1758 in the home of Henri Duclos, in Cormier (Grande-Rivière-du-Nord), in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, Dessalines was a Creole of African (Afro-Caribbean) origin. Freed during the 1794 abolition achieved through slave revolts, actually served as an officer in the French army during the French Revolution. At that time, the ideas of freedom and equality were at the heart of the concerns of the inhabitants of the colonies. Dessalines actively participated in the fighting against the Spanish and British forces, alongside the French, in Santo Domingo. Having risen to the rank of Lieutenant General, Jean-Jacques Dessalines turned against the French during the Leclerc expedition, sent to Saint-Domingue by Bonaparte to reestablish colonial authority and slavery during the Haitian Revolution. After the capture and deportation of Toussaint Louverture to France on June 7, 1802, Dessalines assumed a leading role in continuing the struggle for independence. He led numerous battles, including the battle of Crête-à-Pierrot in March 1802, where he galvanized his soldiers with his famous declaration: “Let those who want to remain slaves of the French leave the fort, let those, on the contrary, who want to die as free men, line up around me.” On January 1, 1804, Jean-Jacques Dessalines achieved the long-awaited goal of independence by proclaiming Haïti as a sovereign nation, becoming the second country in the Americas to gain independence from a colonial power. He became the first leader of the newly formed nation and was named Emperor under the name James I. However, his imperial reign was marked by authoritarian and brutal policies, including the massacre of many white settlers and the redistribution of land to peasants that was in the hands of the generals of the independence army. In addition, he organized the hunt for delinquents in the city while implementing rigorous agrarian policies, considering that they represented a threat to the stability of the nation, these controversial actions caused divisions within Haitian society. Dessalines was assassinated on October 17, 1806 following a plot organized by some of his generals in the Haitian army. His death marked the end of his brief but influential period in power. Despite the controversies surrounding his methods, he is recognized as the main architect of Haiti’s independence and his name was honored in 1903 by being attributed to the Haitian national anthem, La Dessalinienne, composed by Justin Lhérisson.Finally, the great visionary man Jean Jacques Dessalines remains an emblematic figure in the history of Haiti, recognized for his role in the fight for independence and the end of slavery in the region.

What Connects Haïti to Africa? An Indestructible Cultural and Historical Bridge

Haïti and Africa share a deep and historical bond, forged over centuries. This bond goes beyond simple colonial history, it is nourished by cultural roots, ethnic affinities, and a common heritage stemming from the struggle for freedom. Throughout history, the African diaspora, and the impact of slavery, Haïti has become a symbol of resilience and black pride, particularly for many African and Afro-descendant communities around the world. But what really connects Haïti to Africa? Let’s dive into this exceptional and meaningful relationship.

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Haiti

Haiti, the hidden gem of the Caribbean, offers a multitude of heavenly beaches that seduce with their natural beauty and tranquility. Far from the crowded tourist routes, these beaches offer an idyllic getaway for those looking for a true haven of peace. Here’s a look at Haiti’s most beautiful beaches, each one unique in its own way.