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May 18 in Haiti: Celebration of the Flag and University Day18 Mai Haïti
May 18 in Haiti: Celebration of the Flag and University Day
18 Mai Haïti
  • May 17, 2024
  • | 0

May 18 in Haiti: Celebration of the Flag and University Day

May 18 is an emblematic date in Haiti, marked by the celebration of the Flag and University Days. This day commemorates the creation of the Haitian flag and highlights the importance of education and universities in the country. The history and meaning of this day are deeply rooted in Haitian national identity.

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Origins and Historical Significance

On May 18, 1803, during the Arcahaie Congress, the leaders of the Haitian revolution, under the leadership of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, decided to create a distinct flag to symbolize their fight against French colonization. According to tradition, Dessalines tore up the French tricolor, keeping only the blue and red stripes, which he sewed together horizontally to form the first Haitian flag. This action symbolized the break with France and the unity of the revolutionary forces.

Flag Day is therefore a tribute to the efforts and sacrifices of Haitian ancestors for independence, officially obtained on January 1, 1804. The flag, as an emblem of the nation, is a constant reminder of the freedom won and the ideals of justice and equality that guided the revolutionaries.

Discover the history of Haiti: A fascinating story to explore! : https://haitiwonderland.com/haiti/histoire/decouvrez-l-histoire-d-haiti--un-recit-fascinant-a-explorer/81

Campus Henry-Christophe de Limonade (CHCL)Campus Henry-Christophe de Limonade (CHCL)

University Festival

May 18 is also dedicated to the University in Haiti. This association was born from the recognition of the crucial role that education plays in the development and emancipation of Haitian society. Higher education institutions, students and teachers are celebrated for their contributions to the knowledge, culture and socio-economic growth of the country.

University Day highlights the importance of education as a pillar of progress and social change. It encourages young people to continue their studies and actively contribute to the future of the nation.

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Celebrations and Events

Every year, May 18 is marked by various celebrations across the country. Parades, speeches, official ceremonies and cultural activities are held to honor the flag and the university. Schools, government institutions and local communities actively participate in these festivities.

Ceremonies often take place in symbolic places like Arcahaie, where the flag was created, as well as in other historic cities like Cap-Haitien. Haitians, whether on national territory or in the diaspora, proudly display their flag, celebrating their heritage and identity.

Haiti, dream space.

Between dream and Haitian reality: A call for unity and action Many men have dreamed big for Haiti. Toussaint Louverture and Jean Jacques Dessalines are examples. Although torn apart by invisible hands, the social fabric of the country had always been considered the greatest project to be set in motion by men of letters. Until then, the history of Haïti remains and remains for Haitians the most appropriate space to dream and propose full and complete freedom. Indeed, Toussaint Louverture had the dream of improving the lot of slaves. Dessalines, for his part, sacrificed himself for the independence of our island (Haiti-Saint-Domingue). After our liberation from the French, men of letters had to take other paths to safeguard the dignity of the country. This situation showed another form of revolution like poets of the patriotism school with supporters such as: Louis Joseph Janvier, Anténor Firmin, Demesvar Délorme and the Generation of the Round with Fernand Hibbert, Georges Sylvain also the indigenous school with Jean Price Mars, Jacques Stephen Alexis, Roussan Camille etc... who express their discontent by pouring ink. By describing or painting the situation of the country. Several years which were first conceived and then born the idea of ​​giving the country its sovereignty, its own bicolor, its army, etc. it was not easy and did not continue like this. Haïti needs for the moment men of dreams, men who love their countries, but not the wealth of this country, men who love the happiness of their country, but not its misfortunes, men who have viable projects , but are not specialists in carnage who are only interested in their pockets, rather for the happiness of our two-tone, men who must fight against corruption, against waste, against the invisible hands of foreigners, against this form of public administration which targets only a small group of people in the country to the detriment of the population, this form of insecurity planned by the state, the so-called bourgeoisies, economic powers from abroad such as: France, USA, Canada, Brazil. q~Haïti in 1979 with full power. Maître Fevry is said to have declared: The dream of Haïti cannot support, nor accept improvised solutions ~q. The Haitian’s dream must always be a team effort. A team of men of skill, vision, good will, reflection and meditation. q~ Men who can place their personal and private interests over public interests. Men who want to make a new start to achieve the dream of Jean Jacques Dessalines and that of Henri Christophe who aimed that Haitians will not envy any other country in the world so that all Haitians can be happy in their own country, chanted Professor Lesly Saint Roc Manigat.~q Our dear Haiti, which was once the pearl of the Antilles, is no longer present today. For this we ask all Haitians: children, young people, adults and old people, let us unite our arms, our strength, our voices and all that we could do to liberate our dear homeland Haïti Chérie. Let’s change our reality together! Long live Haiti, long live freedom for the whole world.

18 Mai Haïti18 Mai Haïti

Importance for Youth and the Diaspora

For Haitian youth, May 18 is a source of inspiration and a reminder of their potential and their role in society. It is a day to reflect on the values ​​of patriotism, courage and determination. It also reinforces the importance of education and encourages young people to aspire to high ideals.

For the Haitian diaspora, the Flag and University Festival is an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and celebrate their culture, despite the distance. Haitian communities around the world hold events to commemorate the day, strengthening ties with their home country and passing on the heritage to subsequent generations.

May 18 is more than just a date on the Haitian calendar; it is a celebration of the history, culture and spirit of resilience of the Haitian people. The Flag and University Day embodies the struggle for freedom and the importance of education as a transformative force. On this day, Haitians come together to honor their past, celebrate their present and inspire their future.

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Appolon Guy Alain

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History

History

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.

Natural beauty

Natural beauty

Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

Heritage

Heritage

Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Culture

Culture

Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.