What are the national holidays in Haiti?

The painter Shneider L. Hilaire brings the honor of Haïti to New York

Schneider Léon Hilaire is a young Haitian painter endowed with exceptional talent, trained at the prestigious Centre d’Art in Port-au-Prince. From the very beginning, he captured the hearts of art lovers throughout the Haitian capital, quickly making a positive impression on the local art scene. His talent, nourished by the rich and diverse Haitian culture, has not been confined to the borders of Haiti. Indeed, after a successful exhibition in Paris last year, Schneider Léon Hilaire’s work has found a new place to spread its wings, continuing to captivate beyond the oceans.

Haïti Wonderland: Technology at the Service of the Haïtian Narrative

On this 220th anniversary of the legendary independence of Haïti, a new initiative is born on the web: Haïti Wonderland. Launched on January 28, 2024, this innovative site’s mission is to revolutionize the way Haïti is perceived online, by highlighting its natural, cultural, historical and human assets. b~An Ambitious Vision~b Haïti Wonderland aspires to a significant change in the perception of Haïti on the Internet. The goal is clear: when you search for “Haïti” on search engines, you should be greeted by beautiful images and inspiring stories. The team behind Haïti Wonderland wants to transform the web to allow only the beauty and wealth of this country to emerge, thus reflecting Haïtian reality. b~Authentic and Immersive Content~b To achieve these goals, Haïti Wonderland regularly publishes news articles and special blogs highlighting Haïti’s beauty, historic destinations, exquisite cuisine and anything else that can spark Haïtian pride. The emphasis is on promoting a positive and authentic image of the country. The experience offered to visitors to the site is also out of the ordinary. Thanks to virtual reality, you can explore the treasures of Haïti from anywhere in the world, providing total immersion in the splendor of this jewel of the Antilles. b~Smart Support and Rewards~b Haïti Wonderland goes beyond by integrating artificial intelligence on its site. This AI is there to provide visitors with all the information they need about Haïti, thus guiding their journey through the site in an interactive way. And that’s not all ! Haïti Wonderland offers an incentive compensation program for contributors. You can earn money by publishing blog posts on the site, rewarded based on the number of views generated. b~Commitment to Narrative Change~b The founder of Haïti Wonderland, Appolon Guy Alain, sees his initiative as a way to actively participate in changing the Haïtian narrative on the Internet. It is open to any collaboration and support aimed at achieving this common objective of improving the image of Haïti online. Through Haïti Wonderland, Appolon also wishes to raise awareness among online media to stop broadcasting demeaning images of Haïti that contribute to tarnishing its reputation. He calls for collective commitment to present the best version of Haïti. To discover the beauty of Haïti from a new perspective, visit the website: https://haitiwonderland.com or download the application from Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id =com.appographic.haitiwonderland. For all correspondence, contact them by email at contact@haitiwonderland.com. Haïti Wonderland: Rediscover, Share, Marvel.

Meet Edison Juste: An Outstanding Singer

Beyond the chaos, in the heart of the desolation, there are voices that resonate. They shatter the silence, depicting the macabre reality of everyday life in a thousand shards, thus defying evil to give meaning to life and make each day a place where hope flows like a stream of honey. Edison Juste’s voice is one of them: it sings of hope, of love, while praising God. It was in Carrefour, 27 years ago, that the young singer’s sun rose within a family of four children. Edison Juste is the youngest. Between the diplomat, the lawyer, and the entrepreneur that he is, singing remains his greatest passion for this young married man. Like many Haitian singers, Edison Juste took his first steps at a very early age in a choir—Yahvé Shama—alongside children his own age. He would later become the lead singer. This was in 2010. Asked about his first real encounter with music, he replied: q~It was in 2013 that I really started singing. It was during a competition organized by Styl Doz at the Évangélique de la Grâce church,~q, says the active member of the group YES (Yon Enstriman Sen), who also expresses his gratitude to singer Joseph Rhousteau, who inspired and coached him for several years. Edison Juste stands out not only for his style, but also for his versatility. His ability to make the notes vibrate with a moving candor seems limitless. Yet, he has his preferences: q~There isn’t a single style that characterizes me. I see myself as a liquid: I take the shape of the container. Even if I remain haunted by Worship, Compass, and Jazz, he confides. Today, the Carrefour native boasts a rich and varied musical repertoire. From 2010 to 2025, he has grown both in maturity and in renown: five competition wins, his first song recorded in 2018, joining the band YES, his participation in the second album, Se pou m beni, a collaboration with Amos César in a musical, and his contribution to the album Anprent by maestro Berwin Sydney. For him, this journey is already a great source of inspiration. Edison Juste never does without the presence of God, whether in the creative process or during his stage performances: "What influences and motivates me the most is always the presence of Elohim, and the audience’s desire to savor and appreciate my work," he says.

LESPWA: When writing becomes a light for Haitian youth

In a country where daily difficulties can often seem insurmountable, Haitian youth need sources of inspiration to move forward. The LESPWA writing contest, initiated by Oriol ANTOINE, photographer and cultural activist, offers young people a unique opportunity to express themselves through words and share a message of encouragement and resilience.

Haitian Cuisine: 5 Delicious Lunch Ideas for Your Kids

Are you a parent? Are your children already going to school? Don’t say anything, I know! Every morning, it’s the same question: "What’s in their lunch today?" You want it to be tasty, balanced, and, above all, for your child to enjoy what they’re eating. Here are 5 simple and delicious ideas to treat your child at school.

Haïti, a rich and impoverished country

Located in the western part of the island of Hispaniola, Haïti is a land imbued with natural, cultural and historical wealth. Unfortunately, behind the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its culture and the delicacy of its cuisine lies a complex reality marked by the debt of its independence and the persistent interference of third countries, casting a shadow over its stability. b~The Natural Beauty of Haïti~b Haïti, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Antilles", dazzles with the diversity of its landscapes. From majestic mountains and lush valleys to meandering rivers and sandy beaches, the country offers natural beauty worth celebrating. The famous Citadelle Laferrière mountains and the refreshing waterfalls of Bassin-Bleu are just a few examples of the splendor that characterizes this nation. b~A Rich and Diverse Culture~b Haïti stands out for its vibrant and diverse culture. A heritage of African, French and indigenous influence, Haïtian music, dance and art reflect a unique fusion. Colorful festivals, like Carnival, are celebrations of this cultural richness, attracting visitors from all over the world. b~Delicious Cuisine~b Haïtian cuisine, tasty and spicy, is another aspect worth celebrating. Dishes like griot, sticky rice, and the legendary joumou soup, traditionally prepared to commemorate independence, are all culinary delights that demonstrate the country’s gastronomic ingenuity. b~Heritage Treasures and Paradise Beaches~b Haïti’s heritage treasures, such as the remains of the Sans-Souci Palace and the Citadelle Laferrière, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are testimonies to the architectural grandeur of Haïti’s past. At the same time, beaches like Labadee and Jacmel offer havens of peace with crystal clear waters, attracting travelers in search of a tropical paradise. b~A Fascinating Story~b The history of Haïti is both fascinating and tragic. It was the first country in the Americas to gain its independence, in 1804, after a courageous slave revolt. However, this independence came with a heavy financial price. France demanded exorbitant compensation, thus laying the foundations for Haïti’s foreign debt. b~The Debt of Independence and Foreign Interference~b Despite these treasures, Haïti struggles with the reality of its independence debt. After gaining its freedom, the country was forced to pay France a considerable sum in compensation for losses associated with the abolition of slavery. This debt has been a major economic burden for Haïti, hindering its development. Additionally, foreign interference continues to create significant challenges. External political and economic interventions have often contributed to the country’s instability, hindering its ability to build a sustainable future for its citizens. b~In conclusion~b Haïti remains a country of multiple riches, but its challenges persist. Despite its natural beauty, rich culture and fascinating history, the nation needs enlightened international support and lasting solutions to overcome the obstacles that stand in its way. Haïti’s wealth lies not only in its enchanting landscapes, but also in the potential of its people to be resilient and prosper despite persistent challenges.