National Independence Day – January 1st
January 1st is a sacred date for Haitians, marking their accession to independence in 1804.
- Significance: This holiday celebrates the proclamation of Haiti’s independence, making the country the first independent black republic in the world.
- Celebrations: The day is marked by patriotic speeches, official ceremonies and the sharing of soup joumou, an iconic dish symbolizing freedom and national pride.
- Key figures: More than 11 million Haitians participate in this culinary and historical tradition each year.