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Flag Day: Celebration of Freedom and National Identity in HaitiHaitian Flag Day
Flag Day: Celebration of Freedom and National Identity in Haiti
Haitian Flag Day
  • May 18, 2024
  • | 1

Flag Day: Celebration of Freedom and National Identity in Haiti

On May 18, Haïti celebrates "Flag Day", a public holiday marking the creation of the Haitian flag in 1803. Displayed for the first time in Arcahaie by Jean-Jacques Dessalines, this national symbol results from the fight for independence against slavery and French domination. Established in 1926 by Timothée Paret, then Minister of Justice under the presidency of Louis Borno, this celebration took on a particular dimension in the midst of American occupation and remains as a tradition. Haitians honor this day with school parades, musical groups in the streets and patriotic songs, recalling the union and solidarity of ancestors. The “Flag Festival” is an opportunity to reflect on the values ​​of freedom and determination which continue to forge the Haitian national identity.

Haitian flag dayHaitian flag day

Origin and creation of the Haitian flag

The design of the Haitian flag is attributed to Jean-Jacques Dessalines, one of the leaders of the Haitian revolution. According to historians, Dessalines tore up the French tricolor flag, removing the white band symbolizing loyalty for the French, the white for the Saint-Domingues and reuniting the remaining blue and red bands. This bold gesture gave birth to the two-tone flag, representing the union of blacks and mulattoes in the fight for independence.

Haitian flag dayHaitian flag day

Evolution of the Haitian flag

The blue and red of the Haitian flag carry great meaning. Blue represents Haiti’s black population, while red symbolizes Mulattoes. Together, they illustrate the unity and solidarity of the country’s different ethnic groups in the quest for freedom.
The flag has undergone several modifications over the years. Around the 1790s The French flag flew over Saint-Domingue until February 1803, when Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Alexandre Pétion, leaders of the black and mulatto insurgents, decided to break with France. In May 1803, Dessalines created the first Haitian flag by removing the white stripe from the French flag to symbolize the union of blacks and mulattoes in the fight for freedom. After the victory over the French in November 1803, Haïti declared its independence on January 1, 1804 and adopted a horizontal two-color flag, confirmed by the Constitution of 1843 later in article 192. Dessalines proclaimed himself emperor in October 1804 and established a flag black and red in 1805. After his assassination in 1806, Alexandre Pétion redesigned the flag in blue and red with the arms of the Republic. Henri Christophe, who became king in 1811, modified the flag for his kingdom. In 1822, Jean-Pierre Boyer annexed the Spanish part of the island, known today as the Dominican Republic, which, a few months earlier, on November 30, 1821, proclaimed its independence from Spain under the name "Republica del Haïti espanol" "Republic of Spanish Haiti" and at the same time, its union with Gran Colombia. The flag of the Spanish Republic of Haïti was raised in the first weeks of 1822 but it was the flag of Gran Colombia at the time. In 1847, Faustin Soulouque was elected president and in 1849, proclaimed himself emperor under the name of Faustin I (1849-1859). In his Constitution of 1849, he adopted the blue and red flag but replaced the coat of arms with a crest. The Empire of Faustin I ended on January 15, 1859 and the arms of the Republic returned to their initial place, in the center of the flag. In 1964, François Duvalier established a black and red flag, but after his departure in 1986, Haïti readopted the blue and red flag which was ratified a year later, on March 29, 1987, during the plebiscite on the 1987 Constitution.

18 Mai Haïti18 Mai Haïti

May 18: celebration of freedom and identity of Haitians

Today, in Haiti, May 18 is celebrated as “Flag Day,” a public holiday that embodies national pride and recognition of the heritage left by ancestors. Established in 1926 by Timothée Paret, then Minister of Justice under the presidency of Louis Borno, this celebration is of particular importance. It was established in full occupation of the country by the American army, thus marking a powerful symbolic act of resistance and patriotism.
The “Flag Festival” commemorates the creation of the Haitian bicolor on May 18, 1803, during the Congress of Arcahaie. On this occasion, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, one of the leaders of the struggle for independence, made the historic decision to remove the white stripe from the French flag, a gesture symbolizing the union of blacks and mulattoes in their fight for freedom. Afterwards, he ordered Catherine Flon to sew the two remaining strips, blue and red, to form the new Haitian flag, carrying the motto “Liberty or Death”.
Every year, on this date, Haitians gather to honor this symbol of their independence and their struggle for freedom. Parades of schools and various musical groups fill the streets, singing anthems such as the Hymn to Youth and other songs that reflect Haitian pride and nationalist spirit. Parades, speeches and ceremonies are organized across the country to recall the importance of national unity and the sacrifices made by ancestors to achieve independence. Public and private institutions as well as local, national and even Haitian communities abroad actively participate in these celebrations, demonstrating their attachment to this symbol.

Discover the history of Haiti: A fascinating story to explore! : https://haitiwonderland.com/haiti/histoire/decouvrez-l-histoire-d-haiti--un-recit-fascinant-a-explorer/81

This day is much more than just a historical commemoration. It represents a moment of reflection on the values ​​of freedom, solidarity and determination which have forged the Haitian nation. It is also an opportunity for each Haitian to renew their commitment to their country and to show their gratitude for this heritage transmitted by the ancestors. By celebrating May 18, Haitians honor their past while affirming their hope and determination for a better future.

Vertières, Fort Mazi: Beyond historical truth;

If you look up the word vertière in a French dictionary, you will not find it for fear that the world does not know this place represents the Achilles heels of the most powerful European army. What’s more, this one had just successfully won the eastern campaign. French historians of the time erased this geographical location from the radar of history because they did not want to tell the story as it is in the sense of explaining the first great humiliation of the expeditionary army French by bands of slaves who were totally ignorant in the art of waging war, much less in the handling of weapons. However, these illiterate wars routed the Napoleonic army, the most powerful at that time, using the means at hand. This expeditionary army, after having brought Europe to its knees, would experience its first rout by slaves in this geographical location, located in the Northern department of Haiti. Funny story, this city is not on the list of French words even though given its historical importance, it should be at the heart of universal history, far from putting an end to the invincibility of the undefeated army army. So as not to offend the white masters, no political leader has ever asked why vertière does not appear in any French dictionary? However, they celebrate this battle with great fanfare every November 18. What historic hypocrisy among our leaders! After Vertière many other historical places are strangled by historians in order to hide the extremes of atrocities of the French colonists on the slaves. It is in this context of historical strangulation that “Fort Mazi” is not mentioned in school history textbooks. This is located in Petit-Goave, 2nd municipal section, Arnoux locality. We came across this mega fort, during a mobile clinic entirely financed by the Ernest Junior foundation, a charitable foundation which works in the social sector, particularly in the field of art and music. According to residents , the oldest in this locality, this fort was built on at least 20 squares of earth by the settlers. It was a huge military complex divided into compartments, outposts, turtle rooms, rooms for treating colonists, a large Catholic church, and a cemetery. However, we never talk about this fort so much so that it is ignored by history teachers in the town of Petit-Goave. Certainly, the desired disappearance of this fort under the radar of history buries the atrocities, the barbarities, the most inhumane punishments of the colonists on the slaves. Looking closely at reality, everything seems true that it is the largest fort ever built during the period of colonization. Moreover, it probably seems the most fortified in relation to its importance. Remember that Vertière only exists in Haitian school history textbooks while Fort Mazi does not appear, much less in French dictionaries or history books. This explains why this fort was a secret place in which the settlers practiced crimes and atrocities that went beyond human understanding. Is it not a clear desire of historians to hide what this immense fort built on at least 20 tiles of earth really was? Discover the history of Haiti: A fascinating story to explore! : https://haitiwonderland.com/haiti/histoire/decouvrez-l-histoire-d-haiti--un-recit-fascinant-a-explorer/81

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Jarule Laguerre

    laguerrejarule916@gmail.com

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    Kenia Jean

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    October 31, 2024 - 07:46:52 AM
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    Haïti / Pot’iwa Pizza: A Culinary Odyssey

    Since 2015, Pot’iwa Pizza has conquered the hearts and taste buds of the inhabitants of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. Founded by visionaries Jude Vaillant and Rock André, Pot’iwa Pizza has become a true gastronomic icon by offering a unique specialty: smoked herring pizza. This culinary creation has revived childhood nostalgia among many Haitians, marking the beginning of an exceptional culinary adventure. The very name of the company, "Pot’iwa", is a tribute to the Haitian regions where its founders were born. Jude Vaillant, originally from the "Iwa" region, and his accomplice Rock André, native of "Potino", have united their origins to create a company that harmoniously fuses tradition and innovation. Despite the socio-economic challenges that punctuate Haitian daily life, Pot’iwa Pizza is committed to constantly improving its services. This unwavering determination led to the opening of a second branch of the company, this time in the city of Cap-Haïtien, in the north of the country. The inhabitants of this region now have the privilege of tasting the famous herring pizza, previously reserved for the inhabitants of Port-au-Prince. Aware of the importance of protecting its culinary heritage, the company made a strategic decision by filing a patent in the United States to protect its specialty: herring pizza. Jude Vaillant, CEO of the company, shares his vision behind the choice of herring: "In Haiti, our childhood was rocked by a particular flavor, present in many traditional dishes. We decided to bring this flavor to an emblematic dish like pizza, to create a unique culinary experience." Pot’iwa Pizza embodies the passion, nostalgia and perseverance of Haitians for their traditional cuisine. It is a story of flavors and success that continues to seduce palates around the world. For those who want to taste this delicious herring pizza, go to Pot’iwa Pizza, located at 26 boulevard Cap-Haïtien, or contact them at +509-47-30-9090. And for fans residing in Miami, USA, Pot’iwa Pizza is also available at 12485 NE 6th CT, North Miami, FL 33161. To order, call 305-456-5152. Also explore the immersive experience of Pot’iwa Pizza through your smartphone or virtual reality headset, and dive into their mouth-watering menu by visiting the following link: https://haitiwonderland.com/haiti-virtual-reality-ht/ bar--restaurant/haiti--pot-iwa-pizza--virtual-tour/9.

    Haiti: Flora and Fauna

    Haiti, located on the western part of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, is often associated with its rich and complex history. However, beyond its cultural and historical aspects, Haïti is home to a remarkable diversity of fauna and flora that deserves to be explored and preserved. This article highlights the ecological wealth of Haiti, emphasizing its unique flora and fauna. Fauna: Haïti is home to a variety of animal species, some of which are endemic to the island. The country’s tropical rainforests are home to a great diversity of birds. The rugged mountains provide suitable habitat for rare species. The waters surrounding Haïti are also rich in biodiversity. Colorful corals, tropical fish and sea turtles find refuge in the coral reefs along the coast. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these fragile marine ecosystems and preserve marine life. Flora: Haiti’s landscapes are adorned with a wide variety of plants and flowers. The tropical rainforests are home to majestic trees, the Hispaniola pine and the gum tree. These forests play an essential role in climate regulation and the preservation of biodiversity. The coastal plains are dotted with palm trees, including Haiti’s iconic royal palm. Botanical gardens, such as the Jardin Botanique des Cayes, are havens of greenery where you can admire a wide variety of tropical plants, some of which are endemic to the region. Haiti, with its unique flora and fauna, is an ecological gem that deserves to be preserved for future generations. Awareness, conservation and sustainable development are key elements to ensure the survival of this natural wealth. By investing in the protection of its environment, Haïti can not only preserve its ecological heritage, but also promote sustainable tourism and strengthen the resilience of its ecosystems in the face of current global challenges.

    History

    History

    First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.

    Natural beauty

    Natural beauty

    Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

    Heritage

    Heritage

    Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

    Culture

    Culture

    Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.