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Haiti, the island of a thousand treasures: between nature, culture and the tenacity of its peopleHaiti
Haiti, the island of a thousand treasures: between nature, culture and the tenacity of its people
Haiti
  • November 22, 2024
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Haiti, the island of a thousand treasures: between nature, culture and the tenacity of its people

Haiti, nicknamed "the Pearl of the Antilles", is distinguished by the richness of its landscapes, its vibrant culture and the tenacity of its people. Its heavenly beaches, majestic mountains and emblematic sites, such as Macaya National Park and Bassin Bleu, are natural treasures that testify to the raw beauty of the island. However, these wonders are jeopardized by ecological challenges such as deforestation and climate change. Its vibrant and diverse culture is echoed in its music, crafts and spiritual traditions such as voodoo. Despite economic and social challenges, it is in the tenacity of its inhabitants that lies the true wealth of Haiti, a people determined to preserve their roots and build a brighter future.

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A breathtaking natural setting

Haiti, once nicknamed "the Pearl of the Antilles" during the colonial era, is a land where nature seems to have painted its most beautiful canvases. Beaches, such as those of Labadie and Île-à-Vache, with turquoise waters lined with palm trees, attract visitors in search of tranquility. But beyond the fine sand, Haïti is distinguished by its mountains, lush forests and spectacular waterfalls, such as Saut-d’Eau, a site imbued with spirituality. In the South, Macaya National Park, with its unique biodiversity and mysterious caves, offers a fascinating glimpse into the Haitian ecosystem, a little-known treasure to be preserved.
Natural sites are not limited to their beauty: they also tell the story of the Haitian people. For example, the Bassin Bleu in Jacmel, with its crystal clear waters and imposing cliffs, is not only a place of relaxation. It is also a refuge for generations who find in these places a deep connection with nature and their roots. This natural wealth, although vulnerable to climate change and deforestation, remains a source of wonder and pride for Haiti.

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A vibrant and living culture

Haïti is a land of creativity, where every street corner breathes art and music. The rara, the compas and Haitian jazz are more than just entertainment: they tell stories, carry the hopes and struggles of a proud people. During the Jacmel Carnival, the streets are transformed into an explosion of colors and sounds. The handmade masks, a true feat of craftsmanship, embody the ingenuity and richness of local traditions. This mix of rhythms and colors makes Haitian culture a source of inspiration for the whole world.
Voodoo, often misunderstood, is another pillar of Haitian cultural identity. This spiritual practice, which fuses African beliefs and Christian influences, has given rise to exceptional artistic forms. The vèvès that resemble geometric figures, the haunting songs and the ritual dances are all testimonies to the depth and richness of this tradition. Added to this is a flourishing literature, carried by writers such as Jacques Roumain, Fernand Hubert, Frankétienne and Georges Castera, who celebrate the resilience and beauty of their native land.

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Tenacity, Haiti’s true treasure

Beyond its landscapes and culture, what distinguishes Haïti is the tenacity of its people. Faced with historical, climatic and economic challenges, Haitians demonstrate boundless creativity. Local initiatives for the preservation of the environment, such as community reforestation, demonstrate a commitment to protecting their natural heritage. In the field of crafts, the markets of cut iron and naive paintings show how adversity is transformed into beauty.
This tenacity is also evident in community projects led by dynamic youth. Through local organizations, artists and entrepreneurs are mobilizing to build a better future. They are reinventing Haitian identity with an eye toward innovation, while remaining anchored in traditions, such as the Plume en quête literary club in Jacmel. Despite the trials, Haïti continues to shine through the soul of its people, offering the world a lesson in courage and hope.

Haïti Wonderland: How to Rewrite the Narrative of Haïti on the Web?

For the last three decades the internet has transformed the way people live, access information and promote worthy causes. Institutions that embrace this technology lead the way in their respective industries and last, while countries that embrace this technology and wisely implement it enable themselves to thrive and build sustainable economies. After decades of existence, the internet has been shared with mainly two groups of people; those who use it as a tool to build, and those who use it as a tool of destruction. Those who see the internet as a bridge to make a positive impact in the world and those who see it as the comfy bed to never leave, hence, the difference between the consumer and producer. Unfortunately our beloved home, Haiti, has been of the former mindset. Is it a lack of vision, lack of skills and competences or is it lack of hard working individuals? Regardless what it is or had been for decades, now is the time to change the paradigm on all fronts necessary and reshape the future. If the past decades have been ruled by non-production and negative press, now is the time to change the paradigm by producing and using the limitless of the web to sell the beauty, the culture and the greatness of Haïti to the rest of the world. If the past has been ruled with a selective truth and an effort to showcase the worst and by extension create the worst narrative, now, my fellow Haitian, regardless of where you are on this planet, is the time for us to undertake this mission, to take responsibility and recreate the narrative of our mother land. A narrative based on truth and transparency, a narrative that tells the story of who we are and certainly who we are not, a narrative to invite the world to explore and see for themselves. It is our duty. If not now, when? If not you and I, then, who? Our main mission at Haïti Wonderland is to rewrite the narrative of Haïti on the web. Then use the internet to bring Haïti back to the top of the touristic destination map once again. Those are what motivate us, the oxygen that we breath, they are the reason we wake up in the morning and fight. We didn’t choose this path because we know it will be easy but we choose it because: 1. It is a noble cause 2. It is necessary and 3. It must be done. But must importantly we take this path because we know you and every Haitian in this world, who knows the truth about Haïti are tired with what you see when typing Haïti on the web, and at the same time understand that something must change, and it must be done as soon as possible. We know you are ready for this, and together we will change the narrative of Haïti on the web and we will bring Haïti back to the top of the touristic destination map. This is a call of duty to you, regardless of your field of endeavor or where you’re located in this world. This is a call to join (http://haitiwonderland.com) to first see for yourself the movement you’re joining, then create your own account and start creating and sharing. Together we will rewrite the narrative of Haïti on the web. Thank you for joining this worthy cause. Let’s invite the world to discover the true face of Haiti.

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A timeless beauty

Haiti, far from the clichés often conveyed, is a land of incomparable richness. Its landscapes, its culture and the strength of its people make it a destination to discover or rediscover. This island of a thousand treasures invites us to celebrate life, resistance and creativity, and reminds us that, even in the face of the most complex challenges, beauty can always triumph.

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About the Author
Jarule Laguerre

    laguerrejarule916@gmail.com

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    Petit-Goave, Haiti: Decryption of the 3rd rara weekend!

    It is more and more obvious that in Petit-Goave the media space is absorbed by the rivalry between Ratyèfè, triple champions and lambi gran lambi dlo, a former champion. The past weekend was once again irrefutable proof of the media tension over these two rival bands. With a carnival-like appearance, the fan club of the first dressed in a white shirt, short orange-yellow skirt, purple tie, black boot; the other dressed in a traditional hat, yellow jersey, red pants, red or yellow tennis shoes. This marriage of colors with the taste of carnival is the expression of cultural diversity as La Fontaine said in his book tales and short stories "diversity is my motto." This formula can adapt well to the rara. If it is true in Léogane this marriage of color has existed for ages. It is no less true that this was the case in Petit-Goave because we had to wait for the strong return of Ratyèfè in 2018 to see the rara fan clubs dress differently each new weekend. Last Saturday more than one expected a new face to face between Lambi gran dlo and Ratyèfè because the latter weighed anchor in the direction of the 2nd plain and the latter, in the direction of the city center. Less than in any other circumstance, this duel at the top was obvious. If for some comments it was a favorable opportunity for Lambi to take his revenge on his rival compared to the previous weekend because he had done the profile although he had the advantage because he was two against one. (Lambi,chenn tamarin vs Ratyèfè). This enormous advantage did not work in their favor because the hours that had passed worked against them, as proof they had gone to sleep while ratyèfè remained to play for at least 30 more rounds. Surprisingly but not surprisingly during the meeting long awaited by less than one, at the Acul not far from the Saint Jean-Baptiste church, lambi had decided not to play anymore. However, according to the customs and costumes of the rara when there are two bands, the one who stops playing first, shows weakness and surrender. Consequently, the other who is opposite out of decency and good morals has no other choice to do the same. It follows that for the umpteenth time the great power formation (lambi grand dlo) was unable to take revenge on its rival. For many cultural journalists who were present to witness this event did not have their tongue in their pocket to give their impression of Ratyèfè’s monster performance. This is the case for Brignol, a cultural commentary which wondered if Ratyèfè had the devil in his body so that the most incredulous were in their feeling of joy. On Sunday evening this monster of animation once again made its mark in the art of its know-how. This is what explains the almost unanimity among the cultural journalists of Petit-Goâve in granting first place to this band for its performance and its musical discipline. So, for this weekend according to the circle of cultural journalists of Petit-Goave and with the approval of many other cultural comments. We have the following classification: 1st Ratyèfè 2nd Grap Kenèp 3rd Orgueil de la jeunesse

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    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.