Christmas in Haïti is not limited to festivities and traditional songs. It is also an explosion of flavors, with typical desserts and drinks that delight the taste buds and add a unique touch to the celebrations. Discover 10 must-haves of Haitian gastronomy for an authentic and gourmet Christmas.
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A true emblem of Haitian confectionery, dous makòs is a sweet dessert made from condensed milk, sugar and spices. This tricolor fudge, originally from Petit-Goâve, is appreciated for its melting texture and deliciously rich taste.
Present on all tables during the holidays, it is often shared as a sweet that symbolizes conviviality.
Pain patate is a traditional dessert prepared with sweet potatoes, coconut milk, spices, and sometimes raisins. Its soft texture and warm aromas make it a favorite during Christmas celebrations.
Served warm, this cake is a true ode to sweetness and a must-have for festive evenings in Haiti.
With its intense molasses flavor and slightly crunchy consistency, bonbon syrup is an artisanal treat that recalls the flavors of yesteryear. Prepared with cane sugar, ginger, and spices, this dessert is both simple and rich in flavor.
Its popularity during Christmas reflects Haitians’ attachment to culinary traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Akasan is a creamy, slightly sweet drink made from corn flour, milk, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Consumed hot, it is ideal for cool December evenings.
It is often shared with family, creating moments of complicity around this comforting and nutritious drink.
No Christmas celebration in Haïti is complete without the famous kremas. This creamy blend of condensed milk, coconut milk, rum, and spices is a festive drink par excellence.
Its sweet and slightly alcoholic taste makes it a real treat, appreciated by young adults as well as elders.
Originally from the South of Haiti, konparèt is a dense and spicy pastry made with flour, coconut, and ginger. With its strong taste and unique texture, it is perfect to accompany a cup of tea or coffee during the holidays.
Its longevity as a traditional dessert is a testament to its cultural importance and irresistible character.
Tablèt cocoye is a treat made with grated coconut, sugar, and sometimes spices like vanilla. This crunchy dessert is both simple to prepare and extremely tasty.
Ideal for snacking between meals, it is one of those little sweets that reminds us of childhood and shared moments of happiness.
Similar to the cocoye tablèt, but made with peanuts, the pistach tablèt is an irresistible treat. With its mixture of caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, it combines crunch and deliciousness.
Very popular during Christmas, it is often offered as a gourmet gift.
Chadeque jam, prepared from Haitian grapefruit, is a slightly bitter and sweet treat. Spread on bread or eaten with a spoon, it brings a refined touch to any Christmas meal.
Its artisanal preparation and unique taste make it a true culinary treasure.
Bonbon amidon is a delicate dessert, made from corn starch, milk and sugar. Its melting texture and slightly sweet taste make it a subtle sweetness that appeals to all ages.
This candy, often served during special occasions, is a symbol of sharing and generosity.
Christmas desserts and drinks in Haïti are not simple dishes: they tell stories, transmit traditions and bring people together. Each bite is a celebration of Haitian culture, rich in tastes and authenticity.
This holiday season, indulge in these local sweets and discover all the richness of Haitian cuisine through its must-have desserts and drinks. Share them with your loved ones for a memorable Christmas, marked by generosity and gourmet pleasure.
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When was the last time you enjoyed a good lalo? Were you satisfied? What particularly struck you: the taste, the company of good friends? Tell us all about it in the comments! Lalo is an iconic dish from northern Haiti, particularly popular in the Artibonite region. It is prepared with jute leaves, a green plant with multiple health benefits. Rich in iron, vitamins, and fiber, lalo is known to give strength and energy. At home, we often cook it with beef, crab, or shrimp, served with white rice and a spicy sauce. Its slightly sticky texture may be surprising, but its savory flavor and spices make it a comforting dish that everyone enjoys. Beyond its flavor, lalo holds a special place in Haitian culture: it’s often prepared at large family gatherings or on holidays, bringing together young and old alike around a delicious meal. So, are you ready to savor a delicious lalo to welcome April with a sweet tooth?
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St. Clement Parish celebrates its seventy years of service to God and the Haitian community, this November 23, 2024, at 2975 N. Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors, FL. On the occasion of this celebration, Emeline Michel will be in exceptional concert to mark this cultural event. On the menu of this program, the committee plans to organize evangelization sessions, continuing education, fields of ethics, morality and spirituality. This event will also emphasize faith, reason and culture to rebuild in unity the kingdom of God here below where "Charity unites us to God". With the aim of raising culture to its peak, the Archbishop of Miami is pleased to join us for a great Eucharistic celebration on Saturday, November 23, 2024, starting at 10 a.m. Together, they will mark this mythical date engraved in the memory of his faithful and friends. This evening will be hosted by the icon of Haitian music, Emeline Michel, who has made a name for herself in the Haitian cultural landscape: "We welcome the famous singer Emeline Michel. She will do us the honor of reliving important and unforgettable moments of our charming land of Haiti. With her melodious, very captivating voice and her poetic songs, all the beautiful memories will be there, like our beaches, the light breeze of our mornings and the flight of capricious birds," wrote the press release. The 58-year-old diva continues to establish herself as one of the unique, contagious voices of Haitian music. While remaining in her style, she has been able to create her musical universe during her career, which has allowed her to be honored in the community by her fans. Emeline Michel, with her sincere lyrics and unique style, has managed to reach a wide audience without giving up her authenticity. With her songs and her melodious voice, she has rocked several generations. Throughout her musical career, she has an enriching repertoire, about thirteen albums to her credit, we can cite a few: Douvanjou ka leve (1987); Flanm (1989); Pa gen manti nan sa (1990); Rhum et Flamme (1993); Tout mon temps (1991); Emeline Michel, the very best (1994); Ban m pase (1996); Coedes and Soul (2001); Rasin Kreyòl (2004); Queen of Hearts (2007); Quintessence and lastly Gratitude (2015). She also has many collaborations with other artists. Chanjman and Jan mwen (2020, and 2021) Emeline Michel, 40 years of experience on stage, she carries all Haïti in her voice, her soul and her body. During her flourishing years of success, she has marked several continents where she has already performed (Antilles, America, Europe, Asia). This allowed her to discover several places, such as: Carnegie Hall, at the United Nations; the Teatro Manzoni in Milan; the Kravis Center in Florida; the International Jazz Festival (Haiti). Then, the Luminato Festival in Ontario; the International Jazz of Montreal; the New Orleans Jazz Fest; the Ten Days On The Island. The priest of the parish of St. Clement, Rev. Patrick Charles, took the opportunity to extend a warm invitation to the community to come celebrate this great day marking its seventieth anniversary and to entertain in order to once again highlight Haitian culture.
On January 1, 1804, Haïti became free after a fierce struggle against colonization and slavery. Located in the Caribbean region, it occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. With an area of 27,750 km², it is bordered to the north by the Atlantic Ocean, to the south and west by the Caribbean Sea and to the east by a land border of 376 kilometers with its eastern neighbor. This geographical location, rich in contrasts, shapes not only its identity, but also the economic and environmental challenges that the country must face.
In Haiti, rice is a staple of the cuisine. It’s enjoyed in all its forms, from sticky rice to diri ak djon djon. But in the evening, there’s nothing like rice porridge for a light and soothing dinner. Prepared with well-cooked rice, milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this creamy porridge is a true delight. Some people add butter or lemon zest for added flavor.
Jacmel is a city located on the southern coast of Haiti, specifically in the southeastern department. To this day, the city is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and rich historical heritage, as well as its carnival, one of the most famous in the Caribbean. Jacmel is one of the oldest cities in Haiti. Its origins, according to some historians, trace back to the time of the Taíno people, the island’s first inhabitants, who lived here long before the arrival of Christopher Columbus and his settlers in 1492. Long before it became Jacmel, this city in southeastern Haïti was called Yakimel. The renaming of Jacmel was carried out by the French during their colonization of the western part of the island of Hispaniola. Over the years, Jacmel has transformed into a city where living well blends with the beauty of the sea, in the hearts of its visitors. Nature is fully embraced here, and the sea remains a source of joy throughout the day. Jacmel offers all of this, in addition to its glorious past, which anchors it as a major location in Haiti’s grand history. With its unique charm, Jacmel is among the Haitian cities that can leave a lasting impression. In the 1950s and 60s, until the early 1980s, Jacmel was one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean due to its reputation as a city with unmatched natural beauty and grace. During this time, the Jacmel coastline warmly welcomed cruise ships filled with tourists from all corners of the world. It was also during this period that Jacmel was one of the most commercially active cities in Haiti, among the country’s most economically flourishing, thanks to the significant influx of tourists.
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.
