Christmas in Haiti, A Time of Sharing and Generosity

Camp-Perrin: One of the Most Beautiful Cities in the Caribbean

Camp-Perrin, nestled in the South department of Haiti, is one of the most picturesque cities in the Caribbean region. Located just 23 kilometers east of Les Cayes, the country’s third-largest city, Camp-Perrin is a true haven of peace. Its pleasant climate, lush vegetation, and serene atmosphere make it an ideal place for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility. While Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, is often marked by tension and social difficulties, Camp-Perrin stands out for its calm and joyful ambiance, offering a different perspective on life in Haiti. Geographical Location and Proximity to Les Cayes Camp-Perrin is located in the southwest region of the country, about 30 kilometers from Les Cayes, a dynamic urban center that plays a crucial role in trade and economic activities in the southern part of Haiti. Although Les Cayes is the third-largest city in Haiti, Camp-Perrin, as a small rural town, contrasts sharply with the hustle and bustle of the big city. Access to Camp-Perrin is easy via National Road #6, which connects Les Cayes to Jérémie, passing through this small town, a journey of less than an hour by car.

Haitian Cuisine: Enjoy a good lalo to start April off right!

When was the last time you enjoyed a good lalo? Were you satisfied? What particularly struck you: the taste, the company of good friends? Tell us all about it in the comments! Lalo is an iconic dish from northern Haiti, particularly popular in the Artibonite region. It is prepared with jute leaves, a green plant with multiple health benefits. Rich in iron, vitamins, and fiber, lalo is known to give strength and energy. At home, we often cook it with beef, crab, or shrimp, served with white rice and a spicy sauce. Its slightly sticky texture may be surprising, but its savory flavor and spices make it a comforting dish that everyone enjoys. Beyond its flavor, lalo holds a special place in Haitian culture: it’s often prepared at large family gatherings or on holidays, bringing together young and old alike around a delicious meal. So, are you ready to savor a delicious lalo to welcome April with a sweet tooth?

Guédés: When Haïti celebrates its ancestors with color and fervor

Every November 1st and 2nd, Haïti comes alive with the colors black and purple to celebrate the Guédés, spirits venerated in the voodoo religion, symbols of a powerful bond between the living and the dead. Fascinating, indomitable and provocative, the Guédés form a true family in the pantheon of Haitian voodoo, where they are respected for their role as spiritual guides of the deceased to the afterlife. Led by iconic figures such as the legendary Baron Samedi and his companion Grann Brigitte, the Guédés embody the paradoxes of life and death. Each Baron has a unique personality: Baron Cimetière, Baron Kriminel, and Baron La Croix are the guardians of the souls that wander on the borders of the world of the dead. Together, they form a powerful and somewhat frightening presence, but one that is deeply rooted in Haitian culture. The Guédés are not like other voodoo spirits; they demonstrate their fearlessness in a spectacular way. Accustomed to death, they are fearless and are provocative: they eat glass, raw peppers, and coat their sensitive parts with rum and pepper. These gestures mark their indifference to danger and remind us that they have already known earthly life. They are thus psychopomps – these beings who lead the souls of the dead – and act as bridges between the world of the living and that of the dead. Some Guédés, like Guédé Nibo, wear black, purple, and white clothing, each with unique characteristics. They are many and varied: Guédé Fouillé, Guédé Loraj, Papa Guédé, and many others. These are the spirits who, each year, remind Haitians of the importance of remembering and honoring the deceased. The cult of the Guédés is not only religious; it is also cultural and historical. According to tradition, their spiritual territory, or “Fètomè” – nicknamed the “Country without Hats” – is a place where the souls of ancestors reside. According to stories, the origins of this cult go back to the Abomey plateau, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Dahomey, in Africa, where death and life coexist in a form of symbiosis. This celebration in Haïti even finds echoes in ancient history. The Romans also honored their dead with the “Fête des Lémuria”, which took place in February, to ward off spirits and restore peace between the world of the living and that of the deceased. For Haitians, honoring the Guédés is about accepting death as a part of life and celebrating the invisible bonds that unite us with those who have left us. It is also a way of resisting, because life, despite its challenges, must be celebrated in all its complexity and depth.

With the CLPGACH, the commune of Ganthier triumphs over obscurantism and the dictatorship of ambient ignorance

Following the assault, and the hubs of the displaced on the night of July 21, 2024 in Ganthier; This Sunday, October 06, 2024, it was a gigantic crowd that swept through Saint Jean Marie Vianney, with cries, chant "Ann li pou n Chanje Gantye". They crisscrossed several corners of the establishment and danced the Jolivettes, at the height of the rooms in order to demonstrate their contents. Well planted decor, wooded walls, in the presence of many professionals and notaries; The initiative organized by the literary and philosophical club of Galette-Chambon (CLPGACH) brought together several hundred people who had come to encourage young warriors and overheated them at battle. We did not expect that in the midst of a chronic crisis, multifaceted that such a struggle would have triggered. This is the second time, reading was right in Ganthier. Thanks to the CLPGACH, the new warriors- readers won the great victory, at the right time, where the Gantiens.Ses hoped at all costs a liberation from the town.

Csimon Publishing Takes a New Step Toward Young Haitian Authors

The publishing house Csimon Publishing, led by Dr. Cherlin Simon, is excited to announce the creation of a subsidiary of Csimon Publishing in Haiti. Indeed, a management team, aimed at strengthening its approach to young Haitian authors, has been set up by the parent company, located in Virginia, United States. The goal of this initiative is to better support its authors, particularly the younger ones, offering them reliable assistance to foster their creativity and help them thrive. The committee is also in place to better coordinate the publishing house’s actions in their favor. This aligns perfectly with Csimon Publishing’s vision to actively contribute to the elevation of Haitian literary culture on a global scale, while highlighting Haitian talents and creating a bridge between Haïti and the rest of the world, which constitutes global culture. It is worth noting that among the more than 150 works already published by Csimon, most are works by Haitian authors living in Haiti.

Haïti and its incredible Genius: A Contest to Promote Haitian Youth and Heritage

Haïti and its incredible Genius is an exceptional initiative launched by the Institute for the Valorization of Haitian Heritage (IVAP-Haiti). This contest’s mission is to highlight the multiple facets of Haïti by presenting an authentic and positive image of the country, while promoting the skills of young Haitians through the culture of reading and research.