Haïti en Folie: Celebration of Haitian Culture in Montreal

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.

The Haïtian Compas: A Musical and Cultural Journey

Music has always been an essential part of Haïtian culture, and among the many genres that have emerged from this Caribbean island, Compas holds a special place. It is a musical style that carries with it the history, cultural diversity and vibrant energy of Haïti. b~Origins and Evolution~b The Compas Haïtien, also known as Kompa, has deep roots in Haïtian and African musical traditions. Its development was influenced by genres such as Dominican merengue, Cuban salsa, jazz and even rock. This fusion of styles has resulted in a distinctive sound that embodies the cultural richness and diversity of Haïti. The Haïtian Compass has evolved over the decades, moving from a more traditional style to more modern and sophisticated forms. Iconic artists such as Nemours Jean-Baptiste and Tabou Combo helped shape the genre and propel it onto the international music scene. b~The Characteristics of the Compass~b Le Compas Haïtien is characterized by its intoxicating rhythm and complex arrangements. Traditional instruments such as guitar, saxophone, drums, and of course, bass, play a crucial role in creating this catchy music. The lyrics, often sung in Haïtian Creole, address varied themes, from love and joy to social and political issues. Dance is an inseparable component of the Haïtian Compass. The irresistible rhythms encourage the dancers to sway to the music. Traditional dance moves, such as "Kompa Direk" and "Kompa Love," reflect the joyful expression and sensuality that characterize this musical genre. b~Global Influence~b Over the years, the Haïtian Compas has transcended the borders of Haïti to conquer the international stages. Haïtian artists helped popularize the genre around the world, bringing with them the warmth and vitality of Haïtian culture. Music festivals dedicated to Compas attract fans from around the world, providing an immersive experience of this catchy music. The Haïtian Compass is much more than a musical genre; it is a standard bearer of Haïtian culture, a mirror reflecting the history, diversity and resilience of the Haïtian people. Discovering the Haïtian Compas means diving into a world of captivating rhythms, passionate dances and captivating stories, while celebrating Haïti’s unique musical heritage. Whether you are a world music lover or simply curious about new experiences, the Compas Haïtien is an invitation to an unforgettable sound journey.

Emmanuel Joseph, a Haitian Thinker at the Crossroads of Ethics and Law

Originally from Bainet and raised in Petit-Goâve, Haiti, Emmanuel Joseph embodies one of the rising figures of the Haitian intelligentsia. A jurist, ethicist, and Ph.D. candidate in philosophy at the University of Sherbrooke (Canada), his journey reflects a rigorous commitment to justice, human rights, and critical thinking. Local Roots, Global Outlook Educated in Haiti’s public and religious schools, Emmanuel Joseph began his intellectual path at the Apostolic School of Petit-Goâve, then excelled at the Lycée Faustin Soulouque. His grades, consistently between 8 and 9 out of 10, demonstrated remarkable discipline and rigor from an early age. His university education began at the Faculty of Ethnology (FE) and the Faculty of Law and Economics (FDSE) of the State University of Haiti, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in November 2013. His academic profile sharpened in Canada, especially at the University of Quebec in Rimouski (UQAR), where he completed a master’s degree in philosophy/ethics in 2020, before pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Sherbrooke, focusing on a broad yet fundamental theme: humanitarian action as experience.

Dominique Beldor: An Unwavering Passion for Radio in the Face of Challenges

On the airwaves of Radio Solidarité 107.3 FM in Port-au-Prince, a familiar voice has been accompanying listeners for years: that of Dominique Beldor, a passionate host and programming director. Through his music show, The Dominik Show, broadcast weekdays and now every Saturday, he has forged a unique connection with the Haitian public, combining music, cultural news, and social analysis. Residing in Florida since May 2024, Dominique continues his remote broadcast with the same energy. Broadcast from Tampa, his show maintains its vocation: to bring Haitian culture to life around the world and offer a space for free, engaged, and respectful discussion. Before leaving the country, the host admitted to having received threats for his opinions and on-air analyses, which forced him to seek shelter to avoid reprisals. Today, from the virtual studios in Florida, Dominique Beldor continues to fly the flag for Radio Solidarité, with a voice freer than ever—and still as close to the hearts of Haitians as ever.

Le Makaya, histoire et pratiques vaudouesques en haïti

Le Makaya est bien plus qu’une simple fête ; il est un pilier spirituel du vaudou haïtien, une tradition vivante qui lie les croyances ancestrales aux rituels de purification, de guérison et de renouveau. Célébré principalement à la fin du mois de décembre, le Makaya tire ses racines de l’Afrique, en particulier des civilisations bantoues, et se déroule dans un contexte profondément spirituel où les liens avec les ancêtres et les forces naturelles sont essentiels. Le terme "Makaya", qui signifie "feuilles" en Kikongo, est intrinsèquement lié à la nature et aux plantes, éléments essentiels du vaudou. Ce lien direct avec la nature fait du Makaya un moment de purification, où les croyants se connectent à la terre et aux esprits par l’intermédiaire des végétaux. La tradition du Makaya vient des peuples Bantous, principalement du Congo, et de leurs pratiques spirituelles qui ont été transposées, adaptées et enrichies par la diaspora haïtienne pendant la période de l’esclavage. La période du Makaya commence le 21 décembre, lors du solstice d’hiver, une date symbolique marquant la victoire de la lumière sur les ténèbres, le commencement du renouveau solaire. Dans le vaudou, cette époque est perçue comme un moment d’introspection où la nuit la plus longue de l’année se transforme lentement en jour, apportant avec elle des forces purificatrices et régénératrices.

World Premiere of Fednaelle François’ "Because of Love" in New York

On July 27, Brooklyn’s City Tech Theater was transformed into a cultural celebration for the world premiere of "Because of Love," the latest production by talented director Fednaelle François. Organized by Jazz Enterprise, the event brought together a large and enthusiastic crowd eager to discover this new masterpiece of Caribbean cinema.