News / Other / View Recent Posts

PAQÉMO, music in the Service of Education and Hope in Haiti

PAQÉMO, short for "Projet Artistique de Quartiers et Éducatif Musical en Orchestre" (Neighborhood Artistic and Educational Orchestral Music Project), is an ambitious initiative launched in 2022 by the Association Musicale et Éducative à Vocation Sociale (AMEVS), co-founded by Jéricho Pierre-Noël and Cecilia Madolena Clénard, Haitian students at Sorbonne University. Today, the project includes other names such as Sargine Any Melissa Bernard, Mohamed Etamine, Ege Tarik Eken, Youssef Naccache, and Sohann List Massaregli, all Sorbonne students dedicated to promoting access to musical education in Haiti—particularly classical music—as a tool for holistic development. The goal of PAQÉMO’s founders is to use music as a means of education, inclusion, and social transformation, integrated alongside the traditional Haitian school curriculum.

Haiti: The History of the World’s First Free Black Nation

Haiti, the pearl of the Antilles, is a Caribbean island with a rich and complex history. However, its special status as the world’s first free black nation gives it a unique place in the annals of history. This small island was the scene of an extraordinary revolution which resulted in independence, thus marking the beginning of a new era for the black community and the abolition of slavery. Let’s delve into the captivating story of the birth of the first black republic, Haiti. b~The colonial era and slavery~b Haiti’s history dates back to the arrival of Europeans in the 15th century, when Christopher Columbus discovered the island. European settlers, mainly Spanish and French, introduced slavery to exploit the island’s resources, including sugar, coffee and cotton. The indigenous Native American population was decimated, paving the way for the massive importation of African slaves. b~The Haitian Revolution~b On August 14, 1791, Haitian slaves rose up against their oppressors, sparking the Haitian Revolution. Under the leadership of iconic figures such as Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Henri Christophe, the insurgent slaves inflicted defeats on European armies, demonstrating fierce resistance and a desperate quest for freedom. b~The Declaration of Independence and the creation of the Republic of Haiti~b On January 1, 1804, Haïti proclaimed its independence, becoming the world’s first free black nation. This historic declaration symbolized the end of slavery and the triumph of the will of a people determined to live free. The Republic of Haïti was born in struggle and blood, asserting its autonomy in the face of the colonial powers. b~Post-independence challenges~b However, independence did not mean the end of challenges for Haiti. The country had to face external pressure, reparations imposed by France in exchange for recognition of its independence, as well as internal unrest. Despite these obstacles, Haïti strove to build a free and sovereign nation. The story of Haïti is that of a nation that overcame countless challenges to emerge as a pioneer of freedom for the black population. The Haitian Revolution remains a unique example of resistance, courage and determination, and Haïti continues to carry the torch of independence in the contemporary world. The legacy of this small Caribbean island still resonates today, reminding the world that freedom is a universal right that can be won even in the most difficult circumstances.

What makes soup joumou so special to Haitians?

Soup joumou, a traditional Haitian dish, is more than just a mealtime treat. For Haitians, the soup is a symbol of their struggle for freedom and national identity. This article explores the history, meaning, and how soup joumou plays a central role in Haitian culture.

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: Jacmel Vibrates to the Sound of Jazz: A Memorable Performance of the Acoustic Revival at the Alliance Française

The night of February 17, 2024 will remain engraved in the memories of music lovers in Jacmel, Haiti, thanks to a breathtaking show which took place at the Alliance Française. This remarkable event, part of the prestigious Jacmel Jazz Festival calendar, offered spectators an exceptional musical experience with its Acoustic Revival program.

Guide to traveling to Haïti in 2024: The Essentials and Safety Tips

Haiti, located in the Caribbean, is a country rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Despite the challenges it faces, Haïti offers a unique experience to travelers eager for discovery. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of your trip to Haïti in 2024, with information on must-see places, beaches, hotels, restaurants, local cuisine and safety tips.

The 10 departments of Haiti

Haiti, a jewel nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, stands out for its cultural, natural and historical wealth. This vibrant nation is divided into 10 departments, each offering unique treasures to discover. Originally formed from the three provinces of the colony of Santo Domingo (North, South and West), these departments have evolved over the years, subdividing into a mosaic of dynamic and distinct regions. Today, Haïti is organized into 42 districts, 146 communes and 575 communal sections. These subdivisions reflect a geographic and cultural diversity that is worth exploring. Ready for a captivating journey through the 10 departments of Haiti? We take you on an exciting exploration of their districts, towns and cities that make them up. Hang in there, the adventure starts here!

Discover Festivals in Haiti

Haiti, a multifaceted island, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich culture and vibrant festivals. Haitian festivals are much more than just celebrations; they represent the very soul of the nation, embodying its history, its traditions and its community spirit. Let’s dive into this journey, through some of Haiti’s most iconic festivals.

When Haitian Cuisine Makes the “Buzz”: Between Creativity and Criticism

In a video that recently went viral, content creator Pigtoriasecret from Taiwan attempted to make Haitian vegetables. She showed off her culinary skills in a video captioned “Haitian Vegetable.” Her lighthearted approach to mixing culture, cuisine, and humor was creative and offered a unique twist that engaged food lovers and those curious about different cultures. However, comments from Haitians were pouring in from all sides, with criticism of the quality, sarcasm about the method, and irony about the creator’s courage in choosing to cook this dish. It didn’t stop! Haïti Wonderland, far from setting itself up as a chef with Michelin stars, brings you the recipe for Haitian vegetables, “legim” or “toufe.”