Haitian traditions

LESPWA: When writing becomes a light for Haitian youth

In a country where daily difficulties can often seem insurmountable, Haitian youth need sources of inspiration to move forward. The LESPWA writing contest, initiated by Oriol ANTOINE, photographer and cultural activist, offers young people a unique opportunity to express themselves through words and share a message of encouragement and resilience.

Haïti / Pot’iwa Pizza: A Culinary Odyssey

Since 2015, Pot’iwa Pizza has conquered the hearts and taste buds of the inhabitants of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. Founded by visionaries Jude Vaillant and Rock André, Pot’iwa Pizza has become a true gastronomic icon by offering a unique specialty: smoked herring pizza. This culinary creation has revived childhood nostalgia among many Haitians, marking the beginning of an exceptional culinary adventure. The very name of the company, "Pot’iwa", is a tribute to the Haitian regions where its founders were born. Jude Vaillant, originally from the "Iwa" region, and his accomplice Rock André, native of "Potino", have united their origins to create a company that harmoniously fuses tradition and innovation. Despite the socio-economic challenges that punctuate Haitian daily life, Pot’iwa Pizza is committed to constantly improving its services. This unwavering determination led to the opening of a second branch of the company, this time in the city of Cap-Haïtien, in the north of the country. The inhabitants of this region now have the privilege of tasting the famous herring pizza, previously reserved for the inhabitants of Port-au-Prince. Aware of the importance of protecting its culinary heritage, the company made a strategic decision by filing a patent in the United States to protect its specialty: herring pizza. Jude Vaillant, CEO of the company, shares his vision behind the choice of herring: "In Haiti, our childhood was rocked by a particular flavor, present in many traditional dishes. We decided to bring this flavor to an emblematic dish like pizza, to create a unique culinary experience." Pot’iwa Pizza embodies the passion, nostalgia and perseverance of Haitians for their traditional cuisine. It is a story of flavors and success that continues to seduce palates around the world. For those who want to taste this delicious herring pizza, go to Pot’iwa Pizza, located at 26 boulevard Cap-Haïtien, or contact them at +509-47-30-9090. And for fans residing in Miami, USA, Pot’iwa Pizza is also available at 12485 NE 6th CT, North Miami, FL 33161. To order, call 305-456-5152. Also explore the immersive experience of Pot’iwa Pizza through your smartphone or virtual reality headset, and dive into their mouth-watering menu by visiting the following link: https://haitiwonderland.com/haiti-virtual-reality-ht/ bar--restaurant/haiti--pot-iwa-pizza--virtual-tour/9.

Haiti, a tropical paradise in the heart of the Caribbean

Haiti, a captivating Caribbean island, is a tropical paradise often overlooked by travelers. Between white sand beaches, mountainous landscapes, vibrant culture and fascinating history, this island gem offers a unique and unforgettable experience. If you are looking for an authentic destination, off the beaten track, Haïti is the perfect place for an adventure rich in discoveries. Here is why Haïti deserves its place among the most beautiful places to explore.

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

What is the real name of Haïti throughout history?

Haiti, a land rich in history and culture, has had several names over the centuries, each reflecting a significant period in its evolution. These names reveal the changing identity of the island, from pre-Columbian times to today. Let’s discover together the different names that this emblematic territory has had and their meaning.

The Monferrier Dorval Chair of Constitutional Law, a gesture from the State University of Haiti, for the preservation of the memory of Professor Dorval

The Monferrier Dorval Chair of Constitutional Law is a high-intellectual-intensity initiative, taken by the State University of Haïti (UEH), through the leadership of its rectorate, in agreement with the leaders of the Faculty of Law and Economics (FDSE). The initiative’s primary goal is to honor and perpetuate the memory of the valiant and brilliant Professor Monferrier Dorval, assassinated in unclear circumstances, about three years ago. And in order to make a scientific contribution to the great debate that has been going on in Haitian society for about ten years about the need to change or not, the constitution of March 29, 1987, amended on May 11, 2011. Shouldn’t we try to apply it preferably? If it needs to be changed, should this change be radical, otherwise what should it have in terms of change within a new mother law for a better institutional organization of Haiti. The chair is scientifically chaired by Professor Henri Marge. Dorléans, (current head of AFPEC), and is vice-chaired by the dean of the faculty of law and economics, Me Eugène Pierre Louis. The Chair is materialized by a set of conferences and debates (15 in total), which take place in the premises of the Office of the Protection of the Citizen OPC, under the name of Wednesday of the Monferrier Dorval Chair. It is in this sense that for the fifth edition of the Wednesday of the chair (which took place this Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at the OPC, in the presence of the protector of the citizen, Me Renan Hédouville), attention was placed on education within the debate surrounding the possible development of a new constitution for Haiti. This 5th meeting took place under the theme of: "Education, Teaching, Research, Science and Technologies". The conference was hosted by three greats of the Haitian intellectual community, including two eminent professors of the UEH, namely, Professor Odonel Pierre Louis, academic director of the École normale supérieure (ENS); the vice rector of the UEH, Professor Jacques Blaise. Their interventions were followed by that of the director of the national institute of vocational training (INFP) Mr. Dikel Delvariste.