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PapJazz: The Jazz Festival that Vibrates Haiti
PapJazz: The Jazz Festival that Vibrates Haiti
PapJazz: The Jazz Festival that Vibrates Haiti

PapJazz: The Jazz Festival that Vibrates Haiti

The Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival, known as PapJazz, is one of the most prestigious cultural events in Haiti. This annual event attracts jazz lovers from around the world, transforming the Haitian capital into a true musical crossroads. If you are looking to discover the best of Haitian culture, PapJazz is a must-visit experience.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

An Annual Meeting of Jazz Fans

Since its creation in 2007, PapJazz has established itself as an essential platform for local and international artists. Every year, in January, the festival brings together renowned musicians, offering a diversity of styles ranging from traditional jazz to jazz fusion, including Caribbean and Latin influences. This unique fusion makes PapJazz a rich and varied musical experience.

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Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

Artistic Diversity

PapJazz stands out for its eclectic programming. Haitian artists such as Mushy Widmaier, Beethova Obas and Emeline Michel share the stage with international legends like Kenny Garrett, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Richard Bona. This diversity enriches not only the festival but also the Haitian music scene, connecting it with global influences.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

Accessibility and Inclusion

One of the most notable aspects of PapJazz is its commitment to accessibility. Many concerts are free, allowing a wide audience to enjoy high-quality performances. In addition, the festival organizes workshops and masterclasses for local musicians, thus promoting the exchange and development of Haitian talents.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

Economic and Tourist Impact

PapJazz plays a crucial role in the economic and tourism development of Haiti. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Port-au-Prince, boosting the hotel, restaurant and local commerce sectors. The festival also contributes to improving the image of Haïti internationally, by highlighting its cultural wealth and artistic dynamism.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

How to Participate in PapJazz?

PapJazz is generally held in mid-January and takes place at several emblematic sites in Port-au-Prince, including the Sugar Cane Historical Park, the French Institute and various hotels in the capital. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere, allowing spectators to enjoy varied musical experiences.

Although many concerts are free, some special events require ticket purchases. It is advisable to book in advance, as places may be limited. Ticketing information is available on the festival’s official website and on its social networks.

Pap Jazz 2025, a Celebration of Haiti’s Great Musical Richness
Pap Jazz 2025, a Celebration of Haiti’s Great Musical Richness

Pap Jazz 2025, a Celebration of Haiti’s Great Musical Richness

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Karibe Convention Center in Juvenat transformed into a true cultural temple to close the 18th edition of the Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival (PAPJAZZ). This year, the festival took place under the evocative theme "PAP JAZZ it UP", and it was held in three sites primarily located in the Pétion-Ville commune. The festival took place entirely at these wonderful musical venues: a reference was made to the Latin Quarter, the Haiti-Brazil Cultural Center, and the Karibe Hotel. Due to the deteriorating situation in downtown Port-au-Prince in recent times, the French Institute site had to be abandoned by the festival organizers. Nevertheless, we can absolutely call this 18th edition of Pap Jazz a success. Indeed, this festival, now a major event of the Haitian year, was especially marked this year by the great resilience and determination of the organizers who were able to adapt to the country’s rhythm in order to satisfy their loyal festival-goers. Despite the difficult context, these festival-goers did not miss the opportunity to escape their harsh daily lives through music. It’s also important to note that this 18th edition of Pap Jazz took place after two postponements, at the very beginning of this year, with the last one occurring in March due to insecurity. In this regard, it is appropriate to call the monumental achievement of the Haïti Jazz Foundation and their partners an exceptional feat, as they were not discouraged and showed remarkable tenacity, while adapting to offer Port-au-Prince and its surroundings this moment of growth, beyond the city’s great sorrow, through music.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

Accommodation and Transportation

Port-au-Prince offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to more modest hostels. For travel, it is recommended to use reliable transportation services, such as taxis or shuttles offered by hotels. The city is also served by Toussaint Louverture International Airport, facilitating the arrival of international visitors.

The Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival is much more than just a musical event. It is a celebration of Haitian culture and a symbol of resilience and creativity. By participating in PapJazz, you will not only discover the best of world jazz, but also the warmth and hospitality of the Haitian people. For all music and culture lovers, PapJazz is an experience not to be missed on your next trip to Haiti.

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Living in Prose and Poetry: an unmissable summer event in Port-au-Prince.

Living in Prose and Poetry is an artistic and cultural event organized by the cultural organization Salon de Livre de Port-au-Prince (OCSLPAP) with the aim of bringing together young artists from the Haitian capital to exhibit them to a large audience . This edition will take place on Saturday July 27, 2024, at the pyépoudré cultural center, located at number 332 on the Route de Bourne. This year the organizers announce their mission is to bring together talents from various categories of arts, always with the aim of helping them to become familiar with each other, and to help create a solid link between them and the Haitian public. . The categories targeted by the organizers for this second edition are young poets, slammers, comedians, rappers, dancers, singers, painters, and writers who have already published at least one work. Living in prose and poetry will also be an opportunity to encourage Haitian youth to think. The first part of the event will be devoted to a discussion around a text by the famous Haitian writer Louis Philippe Dalembert, entitled The Other Face of the Sea. It is a novel which carefully addresses the subject of immigration and detachment that goes with it in the immigrant’s skin. It is a book that speaks openly to the reality of the Haitian people today. It has already been announced that this first part will be moderated by the journalist and literary critic Carl Pierrecq who works for the short story writer, and moderation will be provided by Pierre Marie, a young sociology student at the Faculty of Human Sciences (FASCH). After a largely successful first edition which took place in May 2023 in the premises of the municipal library of Delmas, the organizers of living in prose and poetry say they are determined and have made the promise for this year to deliver to the public port-au -princien, a cultural event of exceptional scale for the second outing. Once again, this will be the perfect opportunity to celebrate the great richness of Haitian culture through the organs of our young talents. Given the difficult context, manifested by the almost daily situation of insecurity which has prevailed for some time, in a good part of Port-au-Prince, the announcement of this event comes as a fresh breath of oxygen, scattered throughout the within the lungs of the city. It is yet another opportunity to remind through this artistic festivity that even in times of deep unrest, art will remain an indispensable light, because even in times of crisis, the latter and the artist (its channel of diffusion) will become refuges, sources of comfort and appeasement for all human souls.

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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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