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November 18 in Haiti: Commemoration of the Battle of VertièresHaiti
November 18 in Haiti: Commemoration of the Battle of Vertières
Haiti
  • June 17, 2024
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November 18 in Haiti: Commemoration of the Battle of Vertières

Every year, on November 18, Haïti celebrates one of the most significant events in its history: the Battle of Vertières. This date, a symbol of courage and determination, recalls the decisive victory of Haitian troops over French colonial forces in 1803, thus paving the way for the independence of Haiti, proclaimed on January 1, 1804.

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Historical context

The Battle of Vertières was part of the Haitian Revolution, a years-long revolt led by African slaves and their descendants against French colonial oppression. After the abolition of slavery in 1793 by the commissioners of the French Republic, conflicts between the different power groups continued, notably with the reestablishment of slavery by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.

Led by Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Haitian forces fought valiantly against French troops, led by General Rochambeau, during the Battle of Vertières. On November 18, 1803, the Haitians inflicted a decisive defeat on the French, marking the end of the colonial era and the beginning of the world’s first free black republic.

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Importance of the Battle of Vertières

The victory at Vertières is more than just a battle won; it represents the end of colonial oppression and the emancipation of a people. It is the symbol of the fight for freedom and equality, fundamental values ​​which have inspired other independence movements around the world.

For Haiti, Vertières is a moment of national pride and commemoration of the bravery of ancestors who sacrificed their lives for freedom. This battle not only changed the destiny of the Haitian nation, but it also had a profound impact on world history by demonstrating that slaves could free themselves and rule their own country.

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Celebrations and commemorations

On November 18, the commemoration of the Battle of Vertières is marked by various activities throughout the country. Official ceremonies, military parades, patriotic speeches and cultural events are organized to honor the heroes of the Haitian revolution. Schools, institutions and families actively participate in these celebrations, recalling the importance of this day in national history.

The towns of Cap-Haitien and Vertières, where the battle took place, became centers of commemoration, attracting thousands of visitors and dignitaries. These events help to strengthen the feeling of national unity and pass on to younger generations the legacy of courage and resilience of their ancestors.

Haïti / Fort Picolet: Historical Guardian of Liberty

Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s historic jewel, is home to a fascinating architectural relic: Fort Picolet. Built at the end of the 18th century by the French, this imposing bastion majestically dominates the bay of Cap-Haïtien, bearing witness to the tumults of Haitian history and the fierce struggle for independence. The history of Fort Picolet is closely linked to that of Haiti, particularly at the time of the Haitian Revolution. During this tumultuous period, when slaves and freedmen rose up against colonial oppression, the fort was the scene of epic battles and fierce sieges. Sometimes used by French forces, sometimes by Haitian revolutionaries, Fort Picolet was a silent witness to the events that shaped the destiny of the nation. Designed with a strategic vision, the fort embodies the military architecture of its era. Its thick stone walls, strategically positioned cannons and viewpoints overlooking the bay make it an impregnable bastion. Its name, Fort Picolet, pays homage to General Louis Marie, Marquis de Picolet, French governor of Cap-Français at the end of the 18th century. Today, Fort Picolet remains much more than a simple historical monument. It is a living symbol of the resilience and determination of the Haitian people. Visitors who wander through its ruins can feel the imprint of history and contemplate the remains of a tumultuous past. From up there, a panoramic view of the bay of Cap-Haitien is available to them, offering a unique perspective on the strategic importance of this place in the maritime history of Haiti. As a pillar of Haitian tourism, Fort Picolet attracts visitors from around the world. Its historical aura, combined with the natural beauty of its environment, makes it a must-see destination for history and culture lovers. More than just a tourist attraction, Fort Picolet is a poignant testimony to the endless struggle for freedom and the cultural richness of Haiti. Throughout the centuries, Fort Picolet has survived the test of time, reminding everyone that freedom is an inalienable right, hard won and carefully preserved. By exploring its ramparts, contemplating its silent cannons, visitors find themselves immersed in the tormented history of Haiti, a story of courage, resistance and hope. Live an extraordinary experience by virtually visiting the ruins of Fort Picolet: https://haitiwonderland.com/haiti-virtual-reality-ht/monuments-histoire/haiti--fort-picolet--visite-virtuelle/14

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Contemporary thinking

Over the decades, the commemoration of the Battle of Vertières has taken on varied dimensions, sometimes tinged with reflections on the current state of the nation. Haitians take advantage of this day to not only celebrate the past, but also to reflect on current and future challenges. Political discourses and social analyzes of this day often address questions of freedom, social justice and national development, inspired by the heroism of Vertières’ fighters.

The Battle of Vertières on November 18, 1803 remains a pillar of Haitian identity and a powerful reminder of human potential to overcome adversity. By commemorating this victory, Haïti honors its ancestors, strengthens its national identity and remembers the importance of freedom and justice. It is a day of reflection, celebration and renewal of dedication to the ideals that guided the nation to independence.

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Appolon Guy Alain

Full Stack Developer, Créatif, expérimenté, passionné des nouvelles technologies et de l’art.

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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.

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.