Did You Know? Haïti is Home to the Largest Fort in the Caribbean

A Journey to the Heart of Pre-Columbian Heritage: A Look Back at the Arawak, Tainos, Ciboney Survival Event

On December 5, 2024, the Emmanuel Charlemagne Municipal Cultural Center opened its doors for an unforgettable day dedicated to the history and memory of the pre-Columbian peoples of Haïti and the Caribbean. Entitled "Arawak, Tainos, Ciboney Survival", this cultural initiative brought together enthusiasts, researchers and the curious in an atmosphere rich in discoveries and emotions.

When Haiti’s talent and cultural wealth become one.

“Haïti and its incredible genius” is the great competition that the city of Lowell, Massachusetts, had the pleasure of hosting on October 5th. Organized by IVAP Haiti, an organization that, despite the many difficulties, remains faithful to its mission. IVAP firmly believes that the new Haïti is already written somewhere, and it is up to us, through our actions, to make it concrete and constantly highlight it. Hence the need to organize such a competition.

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.”

Guédés: When Haïti celebrates its ancestors with color and fervor

Every November 1st and 2nd, Haïti comes alive with the colors black and purple to celebrate the Guédés, spirits venerated in the voodoo religion, symbols of a powerful bond between the living and the dead. Fascinating, indomitable and provocative, the Guédés form a true family in the pantheon of Haitian voodoo, where they are respected for their role as spiritual guides of the deceased to the afterlife. Led by iconic figures such as the legendary Baron Samedi and his companion Grann Brigitte, the Guédés embody the paradoxes of life and death. Each Baron has a unique personality: Baron Cimetière, Baron Kriminel, and Baron La Croix are the guardians of the souls that wander on the borders of the world of the dead. Together, they form a powerful and somewhat frightening presence, but one that is deeply rooted in Haitian culture. The Guédés are not like other voodoo spirits; they demonstrate their fearlessness in a spectacular way. Accustomed to death, they are fearless and are provocative: they eat glass, raw peppers, and coat their sensitive parts with rum and pepper. These gestures mark their indifference to danger and remind us that they have already known earthly life. They are thus psychopomps – these beings who lead the souls of the dead – and act as bridges between the world of the living and that of the dead. Some Guédés, like Guédé Nibo, wear black, purple, and white clothing, each with unique characteristics. They are many and varied: Guédé Fouillé, Guédé Loraj, Papa Guédé, and many others. These are the spirits who, each year, remind Haitians of the importance of remembering and honoring the deceased. The cult of the Guédés is not only religious; it is also cultural and historical. According to tradition, their spiritual territory, or “Fètomè” – nicknamed the “Country without Hats” – is a place where the souls of ancestors reside. According to stories, the origins of this cult go back to the Abomey plateau, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Dahomey, in Africa, where death and life coexist in a form of symbiosis. This celebration in Haïti even finds echoes in ancient history. The Romans also honored their dead with the “Fête des Lémuria”, which took place in February, to ward off spirits and restore peace between the world of the living and that of the deceased. For Haitians, honoring the Guédés is about accepting death as a part of life and celebrating the invisible bonds that unite us with those who have left us. It is also a way of resisting, because life, despite its challenges, must be celebrated in all its complexity and depth.

Kenscoff, the other side of Haïti that we refuse to see

Perched in the heights, above the commune of Pétion-ville, the commune of Kenscoff is a jewel lit up above the metropolitan area of ​​Port-au-Prince. The commune is located in the department of the West of Haiti, and is about 10 kilometers from the city center of Port-au-Prince, the capital of the country. The city of Kenscoff was founded in 1930, and was elevated to the rank of commune in 1934. The commune has an area of ​​202.76 square kilometers and is made up of five communal sections: Belle-fontaine, Bongars, Grand-fonds, Sourcailles. And Nouvelle-Touraine. Kenscoff is one of the most mountainous communes in Haiti.

Haiti: A look back at the First Rara Weekend in Petit-Goave

Haitian culture is a true treasure, woven from the creativity of its artists, its rich heritage and the diversity of its cultural expressions. Among these cultural gems, the rara stands as a true national emblem, uniting Haitians through its captivating rhythms and centuries-old traditions. During the first Rara weekend, this very essence of Haitian culture shone brightly, revealing palpable social cohesion. Despite the absence of law enforcement, tranquility reigned in Petit-Goâve, testifying to the ability of citizens to come together in peace and conviviality. However, media attention was mainly focused on the first plain, leaving a certain imbalance in the coverage of the festivities. Ratyèfè, three-time reigning champion, once again captivated minds with his talent and artistic mastery, offering an unparalleled spectacle. But his rival, Lambi gran dlo, was not to be outdone, displaying a determination to compete for first place. The event was also marked by unfortunate incidents, reminding us that despite the beauty of tradition, tensions can arise. Clashes between fans of different groups tarnished the festive atmosphere, highlighting the need for careful management of celebrations to avoid such excesses. At the heart of this musical competition, where each group aspires to recognition and victory, a complex picture of rivalries and alliances emerges. Chenn tamarin, although appearing asleep in the first moments, shows signs of waking up, ready to shake up the established order. On Sunday evening, Lambi gran dlo honored the memory of one of its loyal supporters, while Grap Kenèp was the scene of violence between fans, recalling the fragility of social cohesion when passion runs wild. In this whirlwind of emotion and competition, it is crucial to keep in mind that it is the journalist who must look to the events, and not the other way around. This is how we draw up the first ranking for this first weekend: 1. Ratyèfè 2. Lambi grand dlo 3. Chenn tamarind Beyond the results, it is the preservation of unity and mutual respect that must remain at the heart of these celebrations, making the rara not only a musical festival, but above all a symbol of the wealth and resilience of the people Haitian.