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Life: Cultural heritage and family pleasure for the youth of JacmelJacmel | T-BlancPhotography
Life: Cultural heritage and family pleasure for the youth of Jacmel
Jacmel | T-BlancPhotography
  • October 10, 2024
  • | 7

Life: Cultural heritage and family pleasure for the youth of Jacmel

In Jacmel, a group of young people called Eau de Vie, founded in June 2021, is dedicated to the rediscovery of Haitian culture. Among the founding members are César Rocher, Déborah Vil, Max Jean Julien, Lansley Lemaire, Jacky Edwing Laguerre, Francesca Faustin, Sthélianie Dominique, Mackenson Gilot and Gédeon Riché. Their mission is to introduce young people to unknown sites in their own city, and soon, throughout the country. Through events like the "Jounen Dantan", Eau de Vie highlights local traditions and promotes cultural exchanges. Mainly based in Jacmel, the group organizes its activities in emblematic places such as the blue basin. Eau de vie aspires to strengthen the feeling of belonging of young people towards their heritage and to promote a spirit of community and sharing within Haitian youth.

Jacmel | D’imaj96Jacmel | D’imaj96

Voyage to the heart of local traditions

The idea of ​​creating water of life was born from a group of friends wishing to explore and relive common experiences. At the start, the group met to visit emblematic places such as the Blue Basin, Ti Rivyè, Dlo Dig, Fort Roger, and Lamontay Bèlvi. These outings, motivated by the curiosity and the desire to discover the riches of their environment, quickly aroused the interest of a wider audience. Over time, these escapades have transformed into real cultural explorations, where participants not only admired the beauty of the landscapes, but also plunged into local history and traditions. By distributing flyers to promote their activities, they managed to encourage other young people to join their adventure. This dynamic of exploration made it possible to establish a strong feeling of community and belonging, strengthening the idea that local culture deserves to be celebrated and preserved.

By engaging in these escapes, the members of the group discovered the importance of the transmission of ancestral knowledge, legends and stories that enrich Jacmel’s heritage. Through lively discussions and sharing of experiences, they understood that their adventure was not limited to visits, but became a real quest for identity. This desire to rediscover their roots has reinforced the links between them and encouraged a collective reflection on the way in which young people can get involved in the preservation of their culture. Eau de vie, beyond its excursions, has turned into a project that aspires to awaken consciences and to celebrate the hidden treasures of Jacmel, while weaving a network of young people united by the same passion for their cultural heritage.

Jacmel | Bell ImageJacmel | Bell Image

Relive traditions through time

Eau de vie is not limited to creating moments of pleasure and exploration of tourist sites, but also undertakes to awaken the very essence of Haitian culture through significant events. Among these initiatives, the "Jounen Dantan" is distinguished as an annual celebration. The purpose of this event is to rekindle old traditions by highlighting games, folk dances and period costumes. Beyond the festive aspect, the "Jounen Dantan" plays an essential role in preserving traditions. This event offers an ideal opportunity to bring together the community to share moments of joy and conviviality. Participants, young or old, engage in traditional activities, thus strengthening intergenerational links. Collective dances and popular games, which echo the customs of yesteryear, allow everyone to feel the cultural heritage which revitalizes the Haitian nation in general.

Jacmel | DM Jay photographJacmel | DM Jay photograph

Diversified activities

Each year, Eau de Vie plans various activities over several months, testifying to its commitment to promoting Haitian culture. Among the notable events, the "Noche Clasica" allows participants to share memories and images of the highlights of the year. This type of event creates an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy, where everyone is invited to participate actively. In 2023, the group celebrated its flagship event, "Jounen Dantan Vol 3", at "Sab Kabarè" on June 29, highlighting the richness of the cultural heritage of Jacmel.

Other significant events include "Easter Easter Vol 2" at the lost corner, Cayes-Jacmel on March 28, 2023, and "Traffic Light" in Jedo, Cayes-Jacmel on September 30, 2023. The collective also planned "Blue Escape" In Family Beach, Jacmel on September 14, 2024, as well as the "Summer Extension Vol 2" at the water hush "Sab Kabarè", Jacmel on October 5, 2024. In addition to these major events, the group continues to promote others Activities that raise awareness of environmental issues. The places explored by brandy are as diversified as their activities. Emblematic spaces such as the Basen Ble and Ti Rivyè have been meeting points, while more recent places, such as the beaches in the Southeast department, like lost corner and Family Beach, widen their horizon.

Haiti: The Rara season in Petit-Goâve: A celebration of life, unity and resilience

As the new season of Rara looms on the horizon, certain groups such as Saint Jacques Majeur, Ratyèfè, Florida Band, Lambi Grand, and Grap Kenèp are already preparing to light up the streets of Petit-Goâve with their flamboyant costumes and their captivating melodies. For these groups, the future looks bright, promising a season full of passion and success. However, other rara bands are still hesitant about which direction to take. Despite these uncertainties, optimism reigns regarding the success of this new season for all rara groups in the commune of Petit-Goâve. Rara, anchored in the Vodou tradition, is much more than a simple artistic manifestation. It embodies the very essence of Haitian culture, highlighting questions of memory, tradition and identity. This increasingly popular form of artistic expression attracts a large audience and arouses unprecedented enthusiasm. Groups like Ratyèfè, Grap Kenèp, Florida Band and Chenn Tamaren, recognized for their ability to delight their fans, play a crucial role in the continued growth of rara in the town. The rara season traditionally begins on Dead Thursday and ends on the night of Easter Sunday or quasimodo Monday. To mark the beginning of this sacred period, groups organize opening ceremonies, honoring the spirits of the deceased in rituals steeped in spirituality. These ceremonies, often held in cemeteries or in the "Bitasyons" of groups, symbolize the deep link between the rara and Vodou traditions.

Jacmel | Zantray photographyJacmel | Zantray photography

A cultural and social impact

Eau de vie is not content to organize events; The group strives to strengthen community ties and promote a feeling of belonging among young people. By celebrating Haitian culture and highlighting often overlooked places, he plays a role in the rediscovery of Jacmel and his wealth. Through its activities, the collective contributes to creating a strong cultural identity, allowing participants to become aware of the importance of their inheritance.

With expansion projects in other cities in the country, brandy aspires to reach a wider audience while continuing to enhance Haitian culture and traditions. Their commitment to promoting cultural heritage does not stop at the borders of Jacmel; They plan to create partnerships with other collectives and organizations across the country. The next activities, like Noche Clasica, promise to maintain the enthusiasm and commitment of young people across the nation. By doing this, he asserts himself as a key player in the promotion and preservation of Haitian culture, while building a united community around shared values.

Eau de vie embodies the spirit of initiative and solidarity of the young people of Haiti. By combining discoveries, traditions and conviviality, this group is not only a vector of distraction, but also a key player in the promotion of Haitian culture and the creation of lasting links within the community. With a look to the future, they continue to celebrate the richness of their country while writing their own history.

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About the Author
Jarule Laguerre

    laguerrejarule916@gmail.com

    See other articles from Jarule Laguerre
    SagePromot

    Bon travail

    October 10, 2024 - 11:43:49 AM
    Fils Djuno

    Excellent travail

    October 10, 2024 - 02:36:26 PM
    Riché Gédéon

    Félicitation

    October 27, 2024 - 02:18:36 PM
    Célestin kethlie

    Super!!!!

    October 29, 2024 - 10:04:30 AM
    Eustache Rabens

    Excellent travail nous sommes fière

    October 29, 2024 - 10:54:52 AM
    Désiré Andrefaite

    Eau de vie je suis fier d'être parmi nous.

    October 29, 2024 - 11:36:44 AM
    Kenia Jean

    Félicitation

    October 31, 2024 - 07:45:22 AM
    Leave a comment

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