Rue Isaac Pardo, Jacmel

Diri ak Djon Djon

Among Haiti’s culinary treasures is an iconic dish, "Diri ak Djon Djon". This dish, made from rice and black mushrooms called "djon djon", alone embodies the richness of Haitian gastronomy. Preparing Diri ak Djon Djon requires simple but carefully chosen ingredients to create a symphony of flavors. The basics include rice, peas (usually black peas), oil, onions, garlic, thyme, parsley, pepper, and of course, the famous djon djon mushrooms. Djon djon mushrooms are black mushrooms endemic to Haiti. Their dark color gives the dish a characteristic hue, while their unique flavor adds unparalleled depth to the rice. These mushrooms are often dried before use, thus intensifying their aroma. The magic of Diri ak Djon Djon lies in the meticulous preparation. The rice is first washed and soaked, then cooked with the peas and djon djon mushrooms. The whole thing is enhanced with aromatics such as garlic, onion, thyme and parsley. Slow cooking allows the rice to absorb all the flavors, creating a moist and fragrant texture. Djon djon mushrooms, in addition to adding a distinctive color, release a woody, umami flavor that pairs perfectly with rice. It is this combination of simple but well-orchestrated ingredients that makes Diri ak Djon Djon so unique. Diri ak Djon Djon is often associated with celebrations and joyful times in Haiti. It is frequently served at weddings, family celebrations and other festive events. The richness of flavors and the festive aspect of the dish make it a symbol of conviviality and sharing. Much more than just a dish, Diri ak Djon Djon is a tribute to Haitian culture, reflecting the culinary heritage passed down from generation to generation.

Bataille de Vertières

The Battle of Vertières was one of the last great battles of the revolution. It took place in Vertières, near the town of Cap-Haitien, which was then the main French colonial center in Santo Domingo. Haitian troops, under the command of General Jean-Jacques Dessalines, confronted French troops commanded by General Rochambeau. The battle was fierce, but Haitian forces ultimately won a decisive victory on November 18, 1803. This victory led to the surrender of French troops and marked the end of French colonial rule in Saint-Domingue. On January 1, 1804, Jean-Jacques Dessalines proclaimed the independence of Haiti, making the country the first independent nation in Latin America and the second independent republic in the Western Hemisphere, after the United States. The Battle of Vertières is therefore commemorated in Haïti each year on November 18 as Battle of Vertières Day, a national holiday celebrating the independence and victory of Haitians against colonial rule.

Haitian Carnival

Carnival in Haïti is one of the most vibrant and iconic cultural events. Celebrated before Lent, it is marked by colorful parades, extravagant costumes, exhilarating dances and musical performances. Haitian Carnival is a joyful fusion of African, European and indigenous traditions, with artistic manifestations that express the richness of Haitian cultural identity. Carnival festivities reflect the creative spirit, resilience and vitality of the Haitian people.

Soup Joumou

Soup Joumou, an iconic Haitian dish, is much more than just a soup. It is a symbol of resilience, freedom and celebration. Every year on January 1, Haitian families gather around this feast to commemorate Haiti’s independence and savor the rich and complex flavors of this delicious dish. Soup Joumou has a history deeply rooted in the struggle for freedom. It dates back to the time of the Haitian Revolution, when slaves rebelled against their oppressors and finally gained independence on January 1, 1804. At the time, squash soup, or "joumou" in Haitian Creole, was a dish forbidden to slaves. However, once free, they adopted this soup as a symbol of their new freedom. Soup Joumou is a complex concoction of flavors, requiring a variety of carefully selected ingredients. Key elements include joumou squash, beef or chicken, vegetables such as cabbage, carrot, turnip and leek, and spices such as thyme and chili pepper. This combination of ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that tempts the taste buds. Preparing Soup Joumou is a ceremony in itself. The vegetables are carefully cut, the meat is marinated and the spices are mixed with love. The joumou squash is peeled, cut into pieces and cooked until a velvety consistency. Everything is then combined in a large pot, simmering slowly to allow the flavors to blend together harmoniously. Soup Joumou is much more than just a dish; he embodies the strength and resilience of the Haitian people. Each spoonful of this delicious soup is a celebration of Haitian independence and a reminder of the courageous struggle that led to its achievement.

“Ewo” Beer: Haitian Pride across the World

December 1 marked an exceptional moment for the Haitian community and beer lovers around the world, with the official launch of “Ewo” beer by Haitian entrepreneur Jhonson Napoléon. After the success of “Kola Choucoune”, already present in several countries, including the United States and Canada, it is the turn of “Ewo” beer to take the American market by storm. Available in several cities in the United States, this beer embodies the perfect marriage between tradition and innovation, offering consumers a unique taste experience. “Ewo” beer is much more than just an alcoholic beverage. It is a delight that skillfully blends the authentic flavors of Haitian culture with a touch of innovation. In a country where Prestige beer and Barbancourt rum have already conquered palates around the world, “Ewo” beer is proudly added to the list of Haitian taste treasures. Jhonson Napoléon, the man behind this new creation, continues to fly the colors of Haïti across the globe. His commitment to promoting quality Haitian products continues to strengthen the reputation of his country of origin. “Ewo” beer is not just a drink, it is a symbol of Haitian creativity and perseverance that transcends borders. This new step demonstrates the country’s ability to be part of the global trend for quality craft beers. “Ewo” beer is not only a leading local product, but it also stands out on the international scene as the representative of a rich and dynamic culture. The pride that Haitians feel for the success of Jhonson Napoléon and the growing fame of “Ewo” beer is palpable. It is a success story that transcends geographic boundaries and embodies the strength of the Haitian entrepreneurial spirit.

Haitian Compas

Kompa music is a Haitian musical genre that has evolved over time to become an integral part of Haiti’s musical culture. Kompa, also known as Compas Direct, is a style of dance music characterized by driving rhythms, electric guitars, brass instruments and often poetic lyrics. It is often played at parties, celebrations and festivals, and has also gained popularity internationally. Artists such as Tabou Combo helped spread Kompa to a global audience.