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There are several reasons why a foreign national might be interested in visiting Haiti

There are several reasons why a foreign national might be interested in visiting Haiti: Rich and diverse culture: Haïti has a unique culture resulting from a mixture of African, European (particularly French) and Caribbean influences. This is reflected in its music, cuisine, art and traditions. Fascinating history: Haïti was the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean to gain independence in 1804 after a successful slave revolt. Its history is rich in significant events and important historical figures. Magnificent natural landscapes: The island of Haïti offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes, from white sandy beaches to lush green mountains, picturesque waterfalls and isolated islands. Hospitality of the locals: Haitians are known for their warmth and hospitality towards foreign visitors, making the travel experience very pleasant and enriching on a human level. Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism: Haïti offers opportunities for sustainable tourism, including encouraging visits that directly benefit local communities and environmental conservation. Exploring historic sites: Historic sites such as the UNESCO-listed Citadelle Laferrière offer visitors a chance to discover colonial architecture and remains from pre-Columbian times. Vibrant cultural celebrations: Haïti is famous for its colorful festivals and cultural celebrations throughout the year, such as Carnival, where music, dance and traditional costumes are in the spotlight. In summary, visiting Haïti can offer a deep and authentic cultural experience, as well as an exploration of the unique natural and historical beauties of this Caribbean nation.

Letter to My Favorite Author: An Initiative by CSimon Publishing and the Port-au-Prince Book Fair

The "Letter to My Favorite Author" contest is a joint initiative by CSmon Publishing, a publishing house based in Virginia, USA, and the Port-au-Prince Book Fair. The contest aims to create a platform where young literature enthusiasts can express their affection and admiration for the authors who have impacted their lives through a letter dedicated to them. This letter can be written in Haitian Creole or French by any young person aged 18 to 30 living in Haiti. The author to whom the letter is addressed can be Haitian or foreign, and even from the medieval period. The contest began on January 27, with registration closing on that date, and will continue until April 15, when the prizes will be awarded. The awards, which are 75,000 gourdes for the winner, 50,000 gourdes for the second place, and 25,000 gourdes for third place, will be presented during the event "Living in Prose and Poetry," organized annually by the Port-au-Prince Book Fair, to be held in 2025 at the French Institute in Haiti.

Explore the Festivals, Gastronomy and Art of Haiti: An Immersive Dive

Haiti, the pearl of the Caribbean, is much more than its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. It is a country rich in culture, traditions and history. Among the many facets of Haitian culture, its festivals, its gastronomy and its art stand out for their diversity and authenticity.

Kafou: ACTIF and JEUNES HAITI join forces to say "DEMEN KA BÈL"

ACTIF and JEUNES HAITI train young girls in entrepreneurship in Kafou with the “DEMEN KA BÈL” project for a promising future.

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.

Haitian Recipe: How to Make Delicious Red Bean and Wheat

In Haiti, rice is often preferred to wheat, corn, or other grains. However, today, we’re going to make an exception and enjoy a delicious red bean and wheat dish. To begin, boil the red peas. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until golden. Then, stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Next, add the drained red peas, chicken or vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. Pour the water into the saucepan and bring to a boil. Once the water boils, add the wheat and simmer until tender and the water is absorbed. Finally, reduce the heat and stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once cooked, adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve hot.