On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Haïti Jazz Foundation officially announced the launch of the 18th edition of Pap Jazz during a press conference with festival partners, such as the Canadian Embassy, represented by H.E. Mr. André François Giroux, the French Embassy represented by H.E. Mr. Antoine Michon, the Spanish Embassy represented by H.E. Mr. Marco Peñin Toledano, and the Mexican Embassy, represented by Mr. Jesús Cisneros, Chargé d’Affaires ad hoc of Mexico in Haiti. The Bank of the Republic of Haiti, represented by Mr. Rotchild Jean François Junior and Mrs. Stéphanie St Louis from the Direction of Artistic and Literary Creation, Ministry of Culture and Communication, Mr. Joel Widmaier, Artistic Director of the festival, along with the General Director of the Haïti Jazz Foundation, took the time to explain the details of this 18th edition, including the logistical complexities involved in organizing the festival this year due to the country’s precarious security situation.
This edition will take place from March 20 to 22, 2025, across four venues: Quartier Latin, the Brazil-Haïti Cultural Center, the French Institute in Haiti, and the Karibe Hotel.
Read the article in :
This year, the festival aims to be collaborative, inspiring, and 100% Lakay talent. According to the festival organizers, Pap Jazz IT UP is the new flagship concept to be showcased during this 18th edition of the festival. It is a concept that revisits Haitian music by infusing it with a touch of jazz, and several groups have been formed to offer unique performances to the public, especially during the exceptional evenings on March 21 and 22.
For this year, Pap Jazz has smartly used the country’s shutdown to highlight the local music scene. Indeed, while 100% local means a complete absence of major international music names due to logistical challenges, it also presents a golden opportunity to discover our talented young artists, who represent the future of the Haitian jazz scene. Alongside them, celebrities such as James Germain, Syto Cavé, who will transform into a slam artist for the occasion, Joel Widmaier himself, and the current sensation of root music in Haiti, the group Nanm Vodou, among others.
To discover the full program, visit their website: www.papjazzhaiti.org.
It is clear that the country is going through one of the most difficult moments in its history. The moment is challenging to convey the universal message of harmony that could lie behind such a music festival, but precisely, this is where this year’s Pap Jazz aims to be an important act of resistance amid the enormous difficulties facing the city of Port-au-Prince. This gesture perfectly reflects the resilience of the Haitian people, who refuse to be exclusively defined by the image of the surrounding chaos. Committed initiatives such as Jazz for Timoun (a moment of music and joy in a displaced persons camp due to insecurity), The Walls of Commitment, where one can leave a word or a promise for their neighborhood, city, or country, are gestures that demonstrate the festival’s heightened awareness of the deteriorating situation in Port-au-Prince, the festival’s host city.
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/haitiwonderland
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@haitiwonderland
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/haitiwonderland/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/haitiwonderland
Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/haitiwonderland/
Haiti, a jewel of the Caribbean where history, culture and nature meet to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you are passionate about adventure, relaxation or cultural discovery, Haïti offers a variety of activities that will captivate your heart. Here are 10 essential things to do in this paradise country.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of all our activities and news on Haiti.
Haïti holds a unique and iconic place in world history as the first independent black republic. This historical fact, inscribed in the annals of the world, is a source of pride for the Haitian people and an inspiration for freedom and equality movements throughout the centuries. Let’s discover together the events that led to this historical feat and its impact on the international scene.
The impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people in Port-au-Prince While writers, actors, dancers, poets, among others, have gratified us with their performances, the master’s degree student in psychology at the Faculty of Human Sciences (FASCH), Lourdya Blaise, spoke with the audience about trauma. Structured around the theme "Youth and Trauma, analysis of the impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people living in Port-au-Prince between 2010-2024", this conference gave rise to enriching discussions. During this meeting, moderated by Michaël Formilus, Ms. Blaise showed how the events that have taken place in the country have caused cases of trauma among Haitians. According to the student, citing the American Psychological Association, we speak of trauma as a consequence of trauma. The latter is explained by the fact that we feel threatened, whether it is the person in question or their loved ones. However, she specifies that a collective trauma remains depending on the impact that the event has on the individual. To illustrate her remarks, she mentioned the earthquake of January 12, 2010, considered a collective trauma, insofar as it still occupies our minds. This tragedy reminds us of the disappearance of our loved ones and enormous losses. This is the case of a trauma that becomes a collective trauma. For the student, it should be emphasized that when an event occurs, some people are traumatized and others are not. According to him, the violence of armed gangs is not perceived in the same way, says Ms. Blaise. There are people who have fled their homes but are not traumatized. In fact, some people see traumatic situations as a passing event, she says. The speaker also spoke about collective trauma, which, according to him, preoccupies the mind, even if we no longer experience it. It manifests itself in several forms: lack of sleep, fear psychosis, intrusive thoughts, intense heartbeat, etc. Generally, symptoms related to trauma are hard to die. When it persists, it becomes acute stress. To deal with it, we must talk to other people. If the situation persists, acute stress turns into a phase of post-traumatic stress; in this case, we must confide in a trusted person or go see a mental health specialist, she advises. In her presentation, Lourdya Bazile also drew attention to the psychological state of children in these times. According to the presenter, children are also facing this crisis situation, even if they do not talk about it to their parents. As much as adults, children also plan their future. Faced with flouted school years, they become pensive and worried, she stressed. They withdraw. The child who used to be brilliant can become violent and perform less well at school. Parents are called upon to listen to them and understand them. A good moment of exchange, rich in practical advice. The audience participated fully. In turn, the presenter invites them to breathe better and meditate. "We live in a country where worries mix, we must take time for ourselves, do sports, eat well, make sure that the sleeping space is clean and take time for ourselves. There is more than one way to find calm," recalls the psychologist. Gertrude Jean-Louis
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.
Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.
Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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.
Merci François !
March 15, 2025 - 09:15:29 PM