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Livre en Folie: the great book festival in Haiti
Livre en Folie: the great book festival in Haiti
Livre en Folie: the great book festival in Haiti

Livre en Folie: the great book festival in Haiti

Livre en Folie, this annual event long awaited by literature enthusiasts in Haiti, will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the Caribe Convention Center hotel in Juvénat. Indeed, Le Nouvelliste, in collaboration with its usual partners, invites the Port-au-Prince public to come and celebrate, for the thirtieth time, the great intellectual wealth of Haitian writers and other thinkers, in this great annual book fair. This year, the entrance fee is set at 1,000 gourdes, which will be returned to you in the form of coupons, in order to be able to buy books once inside.

Thirty years after the first edition, livre en folie has become a pillar of Haitian literary life and a highlight of the Haitian year. This year, it will take place in a particularly difficult context for the country, both economically and in terms of security, but will still have the merit of bringing together thousands of Haitians around the subject of the book.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

The difficult environment

Haïti is going through one of the worst periods in its history, with the painful experience of a country completely delivered into the hands of a swarm of bad luck that only thinks of destroying it, dreaming only of tearing apart life in its midst, tearing out its soul.

This situation is aggravated by persistent political instability, fueling the economic crisis and facilitating the omnipresent presence of armed gangs that have brought the center of Port-au-Prince to its knees, while undermining the cultural and media infrastructure of the capital. Reference is made to the national library of Haiti, vandalized, to the national press, targeted by attacks, and even to the premises of the newspaper Le Nouvelliste, organizer of the event for 30 years, which was ransacked and looted.

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Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

A strong symbol of resilience

Despite this chaotic situation, the holding of the book fair represents a strong symbol of resilience. It is intended to be a vibrant call to life, a way of showing that culture and books can be powerful tools to resist the surrounding darkness. This event is a bold statement: even in the face of difficulties, books continue to shine like beacons in the storm.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

A celebration of literature

This year, the great Haitian Book Fair promises to be, as usual, an exceptional gathering place. The event will highlight the works of 165 authors, with the presence of 84 writers still living. It is an opportunity to celebrate the richness of Haitian literature and to shine the country’s intellectual culture, even in these difficult times.

Haiti: A look back at the First Rara Weekend in Petit-Goave
Haiti: A look back at the First Rara Weekend in Petit-Goave

Haiti: A look back at the First Rara Weekend in Petit-Goave

Haitian culture is a true treasure, woven from the creativity of its artists, its rich heritage and the diversity of its cultural expressions. Among these cultural gems, the rara stands as a true national emblem, uniting Haitians through its captivating rhythms and centuries-old traditions. During the first Rara weekend, this very essence of Haitian culture shone brightly, revealing palpable social cohesion. Despite the absence of law enforcement, tranquility reigned in Petit-Goâve, testifying to the ability of citizens to come together in peace and conviviality. However, media attention was mainly focused on the first plain, leaving a certain imbalance in the coverage of the festivities. Ratyèfè, three-time reigning champion, once again captivated minds with his talent and artistic mastery, offering an unparalleled spectacle. But his rival, Lambi gran dlo, was not to be outdone, displaying a determination to compete for first place. The event was also marked by unfortunate incidents, reminding us that despite the beauty of tradition, tensions can arise. Clashes between fans of different groups tarnished the festive atmosphere, highlighting the need for careful management of celebrations to avoid such excesses. At the heart of this musical competition, where each group aspires to recognition and victory, a complex picture of rivalries and alliances emerges. Chenn tamarin, although appearing asleep in the first moments, shows signs of waking up, ready to shake up the established order. On Sunday evening, Lambi gran dlo honored the memory of one of its loyal supporters, while Grap Kenèp was the scene of violence between fans, recalling the fragility of social cohesion when passion runs wild. In this whirlwind of emotion and competition, it is crucial to keep in mind that it is the journalist who must look to the events, and not the other way around. This is how we draw up the first ranking for this first weekend: 1. Ratyèfè 2. Lambi grand dlo 3. Chenn tamarind Beyond the results, it is the preservation of unity and mutual respect that must remain at the heart of these celebrations, making the rara not only a musical festival, but above all a symbol of the wealth and resilience of the people Haitian.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

Embodied Hope

Beyond the simple celebration of literature, this fair represents a message of hope and solidarity towards all the actors who make up the Haitian literary world. By bringing together publishers, writers and such a large audience in one place, the event allows contemporary Haitian literature to exist in its local version, and reminds us that, even in the darkest moments, culture and education remain sources of victories for the human soul. Because books, as witnesses of human thought and life experiences, are precious allies in facing crises and building a better future.

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About the Author
Moise Francois
Moise Francois
Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

See other articles from Moise Francois
Esther Medgine Charles

Merci
Ce très bien.

August 15, 2024 - 07:50:01 PM
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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.

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