What does October 17th represent for Haiti?

7 Must-Visit Places in Haiti

Haiti, the "Pearl of the Antilles," is much more than just a beach destination. This country is full of unique historical, natural and cultural sites that bear witness to its rich past and exceptional biodiversity. Here is a selection of 7 must-see places that will immerse you in the history, culture and beauty of Haiti.

LESPWA: When writing becomes a light for Haitian youth

In a country where daily difficulties can often seem insurmountable, Haitian youth need sources of inspiration to move forward. The LESPWA writing contest, initiated by Oriol ANTOINE, photographer and cultural activist, offers young people a unique opportunity to express themselves through words and share a message of encouragement and resilience.

Haiti: Rutshelle Guillaume triumphs at the summit of “Nuits d’Afrique” with the Francophonie prize

Haitian musical sensation Rutshelle Guillaume has been awarded the prestigious Nuits d’Afrique Prize for Francophonie. This distinction was presented to her this Monday, the day after her electrifying performance which closed the festival, attracting hundreds of spectators impatient to see the performance of the one nicknamed the “Queen of Kompa”.

REN Fan Club: A Moment of Relaxation for Haitian Youth

The Rassemblement pour une Entente Nationale (REN) is a Haitian civil society organization that actively works for a more just, inclusive, and prosperous Haiti. It firmly believes that the transformation of the country depends on the involvement of its citizens, particularly youth and women, who are the pillars of tomorrow, especially given their significant demographic weight in the Haitian population. Guided by this vision, REN focuses its efforts on training, raising awareness, and mobilizing these key groups to help them realize their strength and their ability to drive real change for Haiti’s development.

Guédés: When Haïti celebrates its ancestors with color and fervor

Every November 1st and 2nd, Haïti comes alive with the colors black and purple to celebrate the Guédés, spirits venerated in the voodoo religion, symbols of a powerful bond between the living and the dead. Fascinating, indomitable and provocative, the Guédés form a true family in the pantheon of Haitian voodoo, where they are respected for their role as spiritual guides of the deceased to the afterlife. Led by iconic figures such as the legendary Baron Samedi and his companion Grann Brigitte, the Guédés embody the paradoxes of life and death. Each Baron has a unique personality: Baron Cimetière, Baron Kriminel, and Baron La Croix are the guardians of the souls that wander on the borders of the world of the dead. Together, they form a powerful and somewhat frightening presence, but one that is deeply rooted in Haitian culture. The Guédés are not like other voodoo spirits; they demonstrate their fearlessness in a spectacular way. Accustomed to death, they are fearless and are provocative: they eat glass, raw peppers, and coat their sensitive parts with rum and pepper. These gestures mark their indifference to danger and remind us that they have already known earthly life. They are thus psychopomps – these beings who lead the souls of the dead – and act as bridges between the world of the living and that of the dead. Some Guédés, like Guédé Nibo, wear black, purple, and white clothing, each with unique characteristics. They are many and varied: Guédé Fouillé, Guédé Loraj, Papa Guédé, and many others. These are the spirits who, each year, remind Haitians of the importance of remembering and honoring the deceased. The cult of the Guédés is not only religious; it is also cultural and historical. According to tradition, their spiritual territory, or “Fètomè” – nicknamed the “Country without Hats” – is a place where the souls of ancestors reside. According to stories, the origins of this cult go back to the Abomey plateau, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Dahomey, in Africa, where death and life coexist in a form of symbiosis. This celebration in Haïti even finds echoes in ancient history. The Romans also honored their dead with the “Fête des Lémuria”, which took place in February, to ward off spirits and restore peace between the world of the living and that of the deceased. For Haitians, honoring the Guédés is about accepting death as a part of life and celebrating the invisible bonds that unite us with those who have left us. It is also a way of resisting, because life, despite its challenges, must be celebrated in all its complexity and depth.

Haiti, the island of a thousand treasures: between nature, culture and the tenacity of its people

Haiti, nicknamed "the Pearl of the Antilles", is distinguished by the richness of its landscapes, its vibrant culture and the tenacity of its people. Its heavenly beaches, majestic mountains and emblematic sites, such as Macaya National Park and Bassin Bleu, are natural treasures that testify to the raw beauty of the island. However, these wonders are jeopardized by ecological challenges such as deforestation and climate change. Its vibrant and diverse culture is echoed in its music, crafts and spiritual traditions such as voodoo. Despite economic and social challenges, it is in the tenacity of its inhabitants that lies the true wealth of Haiti, a people determined to preserve their roots and build a brighter future.