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December 24 and 31: Two Important Dates for Children During Christmas in Haiti
December 24 and 31: Two Important Dates for Children During Christmas in Haiti
December 24 and 31: Two Important Dates for Children During Christmas in Haiti

December 24 and 31: Two Important Dates for Children During Christmas in Haiti

In Haiti, Christmas is a magical time for children, where traditions and festivities blend to create unforgettable memories. Two dates, in particular, mark this season: December 24, Christmas Eve, and December 31, which heralds the New Year. These moments are rich in activities and emotions, putting the youngest at the heart of the celebrations. This article explores why these two days are so special for children in Haiti.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

December 24: The Magic of Christmas Eve

December 24 is a day of excitement for Haitian children. From the morning, the atmosphere is filled with excitement. Families prepare for Christmas Eve, and youngsters actively participate in the preparations, whether by helping to decorate the house or getting involved in the kitchen.

A popular tradition is to decorate a Christmas tree. Although artificial trees are common, some families improvise with local branches, decorated with garlands, lights, and small homemade objects. Children love to contribute to this activity, which symbolizes the beginning of the festivities.

The evening is marked by family gatherings. Children, dressed in their finest clothes, often attend midnight mass with their parents. This religious ceremony, filled with Christmas carols in Creole and biblical stories, is a solemn moment when families come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

After mass, families return home to share a festive meal. Although children are often tired, they stay awake to taste traditional dishes and hope to receive their gifts. These, although modest, are often toys, clothes or sweets, bringing immense joy to the youngest.

December 31: A Vigil of Hope for Children

December 31, the last night of the year, is another key date for Haitian children. Unlike December 24, this day is focused on hope and the celebration of what is to come.

Preparations for New Year’s Eve begin early in the day. Children often help clean the house, as it is important to start the new year in a clean and orderly environment. This task, although sometimes seen as a chore, is also an opportunity for families to work together and transmit values ​​of order and discipline.

In the evening, the festivities begin with a large family dinner. Children particularly enjoy this evening, as it is synonymous with laughter, songs and sometimes games. At midnight, families gather to exchange greetings and wish each other a happy new year. Children participate in this moment of collective joy, often with fireworks or firecrackers, which light up the sky and add a festive touch.

In some regions, it is also common for children to receive New Year’s gifts from their loved ones, in the form of small sums of money or symbolic gifts. These gestures reinforce the spirit of generosity and sharing specific to this period.

A Period Rich in Learning and Values ​​

December 24 and 31 are not only festive dates for Haitian children; they are also moments of learning. Through traditions, prayers and family reunions, children discover the values ​​of sharing, gratitude and solidarity.

These days also allow them to better understand the importance of family and religious rituals, while creating precious memories that will accompany them throughout their lives. Whether decorating a tree, attending mass, or watching the fireworks, each moment is filled with magic and meaning.

Petit-Goave, Haiti: Decryption of the 3rd rara weekend!
Petit-Goave, Haiti: Decryption of the 3rd rara weekend!

Petit-Goave, Haiti: Decryption of the 3rd rara weekend!

It is more and more obvious that in Petit-Goave the media space is absorbed by the rivalry between Ratyèfè, triple champions and lambi gran lambi dlo, a former champion. The past weekend was once again irrefutable proof of the media tension over these two rival bands. With a carnival-like appearance, the fan club of the first dressed in a white shirt, short orange-yellow skirt, purple tie, black boot; the other dressed in a traditional hat, yellow jersey, red pants, red or yellow tennis shoes. This marriage of colors with the taste of carnival is the expression of cultural diversity as La Fontaine said in his book tales and short stories "diversity is my motto." This formula can adapt well to the rara. If it is true in Léogane this marriage of color has existed for ages. It is no less true that this was the case in Petit-Goave because we had to wait for the strong return of Ratyèfè in 2018 to see the rara fan clubs dress differently each new weekend. Last Saturday more than one expected a new face to face between Lambi gran dlo and Ratyèfè because the latter weighed anchor in the direction of the 2nd plain and the latter, in the direction of the city center. Less than in any other circumstance, this duel at the top was obvious. If for some comments it was a favorable opportunity for Lambi to take his revenge on his rival compared to the previous weekend because he had done the profile although he had the advantage because he was two against one. (Lambi,chenn tamarin vs Ratyèfè). This enormous advantage did not work in their favor because the hours that had passed worked against them, as proof they had gone to sleep while ratyèfè remained to play for at least 30 more rounds. Surprisingly but not surprisingly during the meeting long awaited by less than one, at the Acul not far from the Saint Jean-Baptiste church, lambi had decided not to play anymore. However, according to the customs and costumes of the rara when there are two bands, the one who stops playing first, shows weakness and surrender. Consequently, the other who is opposite out of decency and good morals has no other choice to do the same. It follows that for the umpteenth time the great power formation (lambi grand dlo) was unable to take revenge on its rival. For many cultural journalists who were present to witness this event did not have their tongue in their pocket to give their impression of Ratyèfè’s monster performance. This is the case for Brignol, a cultural commentary which wondered if Ratyèfè had the devil in his body so that the most incredulous were in their feeling of joy. On Sunday evening this monster of animation once again made its mark in the art of its know-how. This is what explains the almost unanimity among the cultural journalists of Petit-Goâve in granting first place to this band for its performance and its musical discipline. So, for this weekend according to the circle of cultural journalists of Petit-Goave and with the approval of many other cultural comments. We have the following classification: 1st Ratyèfè 2nd Grap Kenèp 3rd Orgueil de la jeunesse

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

A Unique Season for All Children

In Haiti, Christmas and New Year are times when children experience moments of pure happiness. Between the magic of December 24 and the excitement of December 31, they discover the spirit of the holidays through traditions that strengthen family ties and give them an optimistic vision of the future.

These two important dates remind us that Christmas in Haïti is much more than just a holiday: it is a celebration of love, faith, and hope, experienced through the eyes of children who are filled with wonder.

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About the Author
Appolon Guy Alain
Appolon Guy Alain
Appolon Guy Alain

Full Stack Developer, Créatif, expérimenté, passionné des nouvelles technologies et de l’art.

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First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.

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