The Future of Agriculture in Haiti

Holidays in Haiti

Haiti, the pearl of the Antilles, is a country rich in history and culture. Its public holidays are moments of celebration, commemoration and reflection on its glorious past. Each date has a special meaning, plunging Haitians into a festive and memorable atmosphere. b~January 1: National Independence Day and New Year~b January 1st is a doubly special day in Haiti. On the one hand, it is National Independence Day, commemorating the victory of Haitian slaves over French colonial forces in 1804. On the other hand, it is New Year’s Eve, marking the start of a new year full of promises and hopes. b~January 2: Feast of the Forefathers~b January 2 is dedicated to the memory of ancestors. It is an opportunity for Haitians to remember their roots, to celebrate the cultural heritage passed down from generation to generation. b~February: Carnival, Shrove Monday, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday~b The month of February is marked by Carnival, one of the most colorful and dynamic festivities in Haiti. The streets fill with parades, lively music and wild dancing. Mardi Gras is the culmination of Carnival, followed by Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. b~April: Easter, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday~b Easter celebrations in Haïti include the religious traditions of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. It is a time of prayer and reflection for many Haitians. b~May 1: Agriculture and Labor Day~b May 1 is dedicated to celebrating the work and importance of agriculture in the life of the country. It is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of workers and to highlight the agricultural sector. b~May 18: Flag Festival~b Flag Day celebrates the Haitian flag, a symbol of independence and national pride. Haitians honor their colors and remember the courage of their ancestors in the fight for freedom. b~May 23: National Sovereignty Day~b This day commemorates the recognition of Haitian sovereignty by France in 1805. It is a moment of national pride and reaffirmation of independence. b~May - August: Ascension~b The Ascension is celebrated between May and August, a religious festival marking the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. b~June: Fête-Dieu~b Fête-Dieu, also known as the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, is an important religious celebration in June. b~August 15: Assumption of Mary~b The Assumption of Mary is a Christian holiday marking the ascension of the Virgin Mary into heaven. It is celebrated with fervor in Haiti. b~September 20: Birth Anniversary of Jean-Jacques Dessalines~b This date commemorates the birth of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, one of the founding fathers of Haïti and a key leader in the struggle for independence. b~October 17: Death of Dessalines~b October 17 is a day of commemoration of the death of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, recalling his impact on Haitian history. b~November 1: All Saints’ Day~b All Saints’ Day is a religious holiday honoring all saints, celebrated with prayers and visits to cemeteries. b~November 2: Day of the Dead~b All Souls’ Day is an opportunity to pay homage to the deceased by decorating graves and participating in religious ceremonies. b~November 18: Commemoration of the Battle of Vertières~b This day honors the decisive Haitian victory at the Battle of Vertières in 1803, marking the end of the French occupation. b~December 5: Discovery Day~b December 5 celebrates the discovery of the island by Christopher Columbus in 1492. b~December 25: Christmas~b Christmas celebrations in Haïti are marked by family reunions, festive meals and religious traditions. Public holidays in Haïti are much more than breaks from everyday life; these are moments that embody the soul and resilience of a people. Each celebration provides an opportunity to come together, remember the past and look to the future with hope and determination.

And if you were Chef Leen, what dish would you choose to showcase Haiti?

Cheffe Leen! A name that’s been making the rounds on social media in recent weeks! And for good reason: the Haitian chef represented Haïti in the Guinness World Records in an extraordinary culinary competition. This challenge consisted of cooking for eight days non-stop, a bold way to showcase the richness of Haitian cuisine. It was in France, more precisely at the Anba Le Pont restaurant, located in Saint-Denis, that Leen Excellent embarked on this exceptional adventure. Starting on Monday, April 7, 2025, she cooked non-stop for nine consecutive days, totaling 187 hours of actual cooking time (after deducting statutory breaks). A historic achievement, combining endurance, passion, and cultural pride. So, if you were Chef Leen, what would be the first dish you would cook to represent Haitian cuisine to the world? The Haïti Wonderland editorial team asked a few readers this question: some readily answered white rice with pea and vegetable sauce, which they call GOAT. Others opted for a good lalo, a tasty pye kochon stew, a good tchaka, or even the famous morning rice. Given this diversity, I’ve chosen to present each dish mentioned in the survey over the weeks.

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.

Petit-Goave, Haiti: Decryption of the 3rd rara weekend!

It is more and more obvious that in Petit-Goave the media space is absorbed by the rivalry between Ratyèfè, triple champions and lambi gran lambi dlo, a former champion. The past weekend was once again irrefutable proof of the media tension over these two rival bands. With a carnival-like appearance, the fan club of the first dressed in a white shirt, short orange-yellow skirt, purple tie, black boot; the other dressed in a traditional hat, yellow jersey, red pants, red or yellow tennis shoes. This marriage of colors with the taste of carnival is the expression of cultural diversity as La Fontaine said in his book tales and short stories "diversity is my motto." This formula can adapt well to the rara. If it is true in Léogane this marriage of color has existed for ages. It is no less true that this was the case in Petit-Goave because we had to wait for the strong return of Ratyèfè in 2018 to see the rara fan clubs dress differently each new weekend. Last Saturday more than one expected a new face to face between Lambi gran dlo and Ratyèfè because the latter weighed anchor in the direction of the 2nd plain and the latter, in the direction of the city center. Less than in any other circumstance, this duel at the top was obvious. If for some comments it was a favorable opportunity for Lambi to take his revenge on his rival compared to the previous weekend because he had done the profile although he had the advantage because he was two against one. (Lambi,chenn tamarin vs Ratyèfè). This enormous advantage did not work in their favor because the hours that had passed worked against them, as proof they had gone to sleep while ratyèfè remained to play for at least 30 more rounds. Surprisingly but not surprisingly during the meeting long awaited by less than one, at the Acul not far from the Saint Jean-Baptiste church, lambi had decided not to play anymore. However, according to the customs and costumes of the rara when there are two bands, the one who stops playing first, shows weakness and surrender. Consequently, the other who is opposite out of decency and good morals has no other choice to do the same. It follows that for the umpteenth time the great power formation (lambi grand dlo) was unable to take revenge on its rival. For many cultural journalists who were present to witness this event did not have their tongue in their pocket to give their impression of Ratyèfè’s monster performance. This is the case for Brignol, a cultural commentary which wondered if Ratyèfè had the devil in his body so that the most incredulous were in their feeling of joy. On Sunday evening this monster of animation once again made its mark in the art of its know-how. This is what explains the almost unanimity among the cultural journalists of Petit-Goâve in granting first place to this band for its performance and its musical discipline. So, for this weekend according to the circle of cultural journalists of Petit-Goave and with the approval of many other cultural comments. We have the following classification: 1st Ratyèfè 2nd Grap Kenèp 3rd Orgueil de la jeunesse

Haiti: Discovering Lake Péligre

At the heart of the majestic Haitian topography, lies a natural gem of breathtaking beauty: Lake Péligre. Nestled in the mountains of Haiti’s central region, this artificial lake is a wonder for local residents and amazed visitors alike. From its historical creation to its contemporary ecological importance, let’s explore together the riches of Lake Péligre. Origin and History: Lac de Péligre is the result of an ambitious engineering project undertaken in the 1950s. At that time, the Haitian government, in collaboration with international partners, undertook the construction of the Péligre Dam on the Artibonite River. The main goal was to provide large-scale electricity to Haïti while regulating river flooding to protect agricultural land downstream. Ecology and Biodiversity: Beyond its usefulness as a source of hydraulic energy, Lake Péligre is home to rich ecological diversity. The calm waters of the lake provide vital habitat for a variety of native fish species, supporting local fishing communities. In addition, the surrounding forests and hills that border the lake are home to diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the preservation of the regional ecosystem. Tourism and Leisure: For outdoor enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts, Lake Péligre offers a multitude of leisure opportunities. Visitors can enjoy peaceful boat rides on the tranquil waters of the lake, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, hiking trails winding through lush forests allow hikers to explore the area’s natural beauty. Lake Péligre represents much more than a simple artificial body of water. It is a living testament to human ingenuity and the natural beauty of Haiti. As an emerging tourism destination, it offers visitors an immersive experience in nature, while highlighting the crucial importance of environmental conservation. By preserving this natural treasure, we also preserve the sustainable future of our planet.

Haiti, a tropical paradise in the heart of the Caribbean

Haiti, a captivating Caribbean island, is a tropical paradise often overlooked by travelers. Between white sand beaches, mountainous landscapes, vibrant culture and fascinating history, this island gem offers a unique and unforgettable experience. If you are looking for an authentic destination, off the beaten track, Haïti is the perfect place for an adventure rich in discoveries. Here is why Haïti deserves its place among the most beautiful places to explore.