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Haitian Cuisine: Carnival Beignets Recipe! (Benyen Kanaval!)

It’s Carnival time! Instead of lamenting the traditions that are disappearing, let’s recreate some memories in your kitchen during this festive season by making beignets! "Benyen kanaval"!

World Premiere of Fednaelle François’ "Because of Love" in New York

On July 27, Brooklyn’s City Tech Theater was transformed into a cultural celebration for the world premiere of "Because of Love," the latest production by talented director Fednaelle François. Organized by Jazz Enterprise, the event brought together a large and enthusiastic crowd eager to discover this new masterpiece of Caribbean cinema.

Introducing Haiti: Discover the Island’s Authentic Beauty, History and Culture

Haïti is a small but fascinating Caribbean country with a unique history, vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. Located on the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic, Haïti is distinguished by its resilience, historical independence, and natural and cultural wealth. This article offers you a detailed overview of this impressive country, from its history to the geographical and cultural features that make it a must-see destination.

Haiti: Flora and Fauna

Haiti, located on the western part of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, is often associated with its rich and complex history. However, beyond its cultural and historical aspects, Haïti is home to a remarkable diversity of fauna and flora that deserves to be explored and preserved. This article highlights the ecological wealth of Haiti, emphasizing its unique flora and fauna. Fauna: Haïti is home to a variety of animal species, some of which are endemic to the island. The country’s tropical rainforests are home to a great diversity of birds. The rugged mountains provide suitable habitat for rare species. The waters surrounding Haïti are also rich in biodiversity. Colorful corals, tropical fish and sea turtles find refuge in the coral reefs along the coast. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these fragile marine ecosystems and preserve marine life. Flora: Haiti’s landscapes are adorned with a wide variety of plants and flowers. The tropical rainforests are home to majestic trees, the Hispaniola pine and the gum tree. These forests play an essential role in climate regulation and the preservation of biodiversity. The coastal plains are dotted with palm trees, including Haiti’s iconic royal palm. Botanical gardens, such as the Jardin Botanique des Cayes, are havens of greenery where you can admire a wide variety of tropical plants, some of which are endemic to the region. Haiti, with its unique flora and fauna, is an ecological gem that deserves to be preserved for future generations. Awareness, conservation and sustainable development are key elements to ensure the survival of this natural wealth. By investing in the protection of its environment, Haïti can not only preserve its ecological heritage, but also promote sustainable tourism and strengthen the resilience of its ecosystems in the face of current global challenges.

Jean-Jacques Dessalines, leader of the Haitian Revolution

In the annals of the history of Haiti, an island located in the Caribbean at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico and shared with the Dominican Republic, Jean-Jacques Dessalines emerges like a phoenix from the ashes of oppression. Born a slave on September 20, 1758 in the home of Henri Duclos, in Cormier (Grande-Rivière-du-Nord), in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, Dessalines was a Creole of African (Afro-Caribbean) origin. Freed during the 1794 abolition achieved through slave revolts, actually served as an officer in the French army during the French Revolution. At that time, the ideas of freedom and equality were at the heart of the concerns of the inhabitants of the colonies. Dessalines actively participated in the fighting against the Spanish and British forces, alongside the French, in Santo Domingo. Having risen to the rank of Lieutenant General, Jean-Jacques Dessalines turned against the French during the Leclerc expedition, sent to Saint-Domingue by Bonaparte to reestablish colonial authority and slavery during the Haitian Revolution. After the capture and deportation of Toussaint Louverture to France on June 7, 1802, Dessalines assumed a leading role in continuing the struggle for independence. He led numerous battles, including the battle of Crête-à-Pierrot in March 1802, where he galvanized his soldiers with his famous declaration: “Let those who want to remain slaves of the French leave the fort, let those, on the contrary, who want to die as free men, line up around me.” On January 1, 1804, Jean-Jacques Dessalines achieved the long-awaited goal of independence by proclaiming Haïti as a sovereign nation, becoming the second country in the Americas to gain independence from a colonial power. He became the first leader of the newly formed nation and was named Emperor under the name James I. However, his imperial reign was marked by authoritarian and brutal policies, including the massacre of many white settlers and the redistribution of land to peasants that was in the hands of the generals of the independence army. In addition, he organized the hunt for delinquents in the city while implementing rigorous agrarian policies, considering that they represented a threat to the stability of the nation, these controversial actions caused divisions within Haitian society. Dessalines was assassinated on October 17, 1806 following a plot organized by some of his generals in the Haitian army. His death marked the end of his brief but influential period in power. Despite the controversies surrounding his methods, he is recognized as the main architect of Haiti’s independence and his name was honored in 1903 by being attributed to the Haitian national anthem, La Dessalinienne, composed by Justin Lhérisson.Finally, the great visionary man Jean Jacques Dessalines remains an emblematic figure in the history of Haiti, recognized for his role in the fight for independence and the end of slavery in the region.

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.

Discover why traveling to Haïti is an unforgettable experience

Haiti, the pearl of the Caribbean, offers a unique experience for travelers in search of authenticity, natural beauty and cultural discoveries. Contrary to popular belief, this country is full of unsuspected treasures that promise lasting memories. Here’s why a trip to Haïti is much more than a simple getaway: it’s an immersion in an incomparable cultural and natural wealth.

Edikanèt, a Digital Initiative in Favor of Haitian Creole

Edikanèt is an association dedicated to education in the Haitian Creole language on the Internet. Founded in 2019 at Lycée Toussaint Louverture, the organization works to promote, recognize, and use Haitian Creole in all educational, social, and institutional spaces in the country. It was created by three young activists committed to this cause: Luc Cadet FIGARO, Alan Joe JEAN, and Marcus JUSMA. From the beginning, Edikanèt set itself key goals: promoting education in Creole across all regions of Haiti; creating educational materials in Creole; fighting against linguistic discrimination toward Creole speakers; and elevating Creole as a language of instruction, culture, and prestige. This initiative was born out of awareness of the persistent marginalization of Haitian Creole in Haitian society. Their most recent major initiative was a quiz competition held in July 2025, focused on general knowledge—such as Haitian history, geography, culture, mathematics, Creole grammar, and other subjects related to learning in Creole. The winner, Roobens D. Victor, came out first among 113 participants.

Christmas Meals in Haiti: A Time of Sharing and Conviviality

In Haiti, Christmas meals occupy an essential place in the end-of-year celebrations. They are not only an opportunity to enjoy delicious dishes, but also to bring families and friends together around a table, in a warm and festive atmosphere. This article explores the culinary traditions, the importance of sharing and the spirit of conviviality that make Christmas meals in Haïti a memorable event.