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La Dessalinienne: National Anthem of HaitiLa Dessalinienne
La Dessalinienne: National Anthem of Haiti
La Dessalinienne
  • May 29, 2024
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La Dessalinienne: National Anthem of Haiti

Since its tumultuous birth as the first independent black republic in 1804, Haïti has been a beacon of resistance, independence and pride for people around the world. At the heart of its national identity is an anthem of profound power and meaning: La Dessalinienne.

La DessalinienneLa Dessalinienne

The Story Behind the Anthem

La Dessalinienne takes its name from Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the Haitian revolutionary leader who successfully led the fight against French colonial oppression and proclaimed Haïti as the world’s first independent black republic on January 1, 1804. Written by Justin Lhérisson and composed by Nicolas Geffrard, this anthem is a vibrant tribute to the legacy of Dessalines and the indomitable spirit of the Haitian people.

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

La DessalinienneLa Dessalinienne

A Symbol of Resilience and Freedom

La Dessalinienne is not simply a patriotic song, but a rallying cry for freedom and justice. His poignant words evoke the constant struggle of the Haitian people to overcome challenges, resist oppression and defend their dignity. Every note resonates with the force of the revolutionary spirit that shook the foundations of injustice and slavery.

La DessalinienneLa Dessalinienne

The Immortal Words


I
For the Country, for the Ancestors Let’s march united, let’s march united
In our ranks there are no traitors. Let us be the sole masters of the soil
Let’s walk united, let’s walk united For the Country, for the Ancestors
Let’s march, let’s march, let’s march united For the Country, for the
Ancestors

II
For the Forefathers, for the Homeland Happy bechons, happy bechons
When the field bears fruit The soul is strengthened Joyful bechons,
happy bechons For the Forefathers, for the Fatherland Bechons, bechons,
happy bechons For the Forefathers, for the Homeland

III
For the Country and for our Fathers Let us form Sons, let us form Sons
Free, strong and prosperous We will always be brothers Let us form
Sons, let us form Sons For the Country and for our Fathers
Let’s train, let’s train, let’s train Sons For the Country and for our
Fathers

IV
For the Forefathers, for the Fatherland O God of the Brave, O God of the Brave
Under your infinite care Take our rights, our life O God of
Preux, O God of the Precious For the Forefathers, for the Fatherland O God, O
God, O God of the Brave, For the Forefathers, for the Fatherland

V
For the Flag, for the Fatherland Dying is beautiful, dying is beautiful
Our past cries out to us: Have a seasoned soul Dying is beautiful,
dying is beautiful For the Flag, for the Fatherland To die, to die,
dying is beautiful For the Flag, for the Fatherland


These words resonate with timeless force, reminding Haitians of their responsibility to defend their homeland and preserve the heritage of their ancestors. They urge unity and solidarity, emphasizing that only by remaining united, the Haitian people can face the challenges that stand in their way.

Holidays in Haiti

Haiti, the pearl of the Antilles, is a country rich in history and culture. Its public holidays are moments of celebration, commemoration and reflection on its glorious past. Each date has a special meaning, plunging Haitians into a festive and memorable atmosphere. b~January 1: National Independence Day and New Year~b January 1st is a doubly special day in Haiti. On the one hand, it is National Independence Day, commemorating the victory of Haitian slaves over French colonial forces in 1804. On the other hand, it is New Year’s Eve, marking the start of a new year full of promises and hopes. b~January 2: Feast of the Forefathers~b January 2 is dedicated to the memory of ancestors. It is an opportunity for Haitians to remember their roots, to celebrate the cultural heritage passed down from generation to generation. b~February: Carnival, Shrove Monday, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday~b The month of February is marked by Carnival, one of the most colorful and dynamic festivities in Haiti. The streets fill with parades, lively music and wild dancing. Mardi Gras is the culmination of Carnival, followed by Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. b~April: Easter, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday~b Easter celebrations in Haïti include the religious traditions of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. It is a time of prayer and reflection for many Haitians. b~May 1: Agriculture and Labor Day~b May 1 is dedicated to celebrating the work and importance of agriculture in the life of the country. It is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of workers and to highlight the agricultural sector. b~May 18: Flag Festival~b Flag Day celebrates the Haitian flag, a symbol of independence and national pride. Haitians honor their colors and remember the courage of their ancestors in the fight for freedom. b~May 23: National Sovereignty Day~b This day commemorates the recognition of Haitian sovereignty by France in 1805. It is a moment of national pride and reaffirmation of independence. b~May - August: Ascension~b The Ascension is celebrated between May and August, a religious festival marking the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. b~June: Fête-Dieu~b Fête-Dieu, also known as the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, is an important religious celebration in June. b~August 15: Assumption of Mary~b The Assumption of Mary is a Christian holiday marking the ascension of the Virgin Mary into heaven. It is celebrated with fervor in Haiti. b~September 20: Birth Anniversary of Jean-Jacques Dessalines~b This date commemorates the birth of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, one of the founding fathers of Haïti and a key leader in the struggle for independence. b~October 17: Death of Dessalines~b October 17 is a day of commemoration of the death of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, recalling his impact on Haitian history. b~November 1: All Saints’ Day~b All Saints’ Day is a religious holiday honoring all saints, celebrated with prayers and visits to cemeteries. b~November 2: Day of the Dead~b All Souls’ Day is an opportunity to pay homage to the deceased by decorating graves and participating in religious ceremonies. b~November 18: Commemoration of the Battle of Vertières~b This day honors the decisive Haitian victory at the Battle of Vertières in 1803, marking the end of the French occupation. b~December 5: Discovery Day~b December 5 celebrates the discovery of the island by Christopher Columbus in 1492. b~December 25: Christmas~b Christmas celebrations in Haïti are marked by family reunions, festive meals and religious traditions. Public holidays in Haïti are much more than breaks from everyday life; these are moments that embody the soul and resilience of a people. Each celebration provides an opportunity to come together, remember the past and look to the future with hope and determination.

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Across borders

Although La Dessalinienne is the national anthem of Haiti, its message transcends geographic boundaries. It resonates with all those who fight for their freedom and dignity, inspiring liberation movements across the world. Its influence extends far beyond the shores of Haiti, becoming a universal symbol of courage and determination in the face of adversity.

La Dessalinienne remains a pillar of Haitian national identity, a constant reminder of the resilience and determination of the Haitian people to defend their freedom and dignity. As future generations rise to face new challenges, this anthem will continue to resonate as a call for unity, solidarity and justice for all.

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Appolon Guy Alain

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Haiti, dream space.

Between dream and Haitian reality: A call for unity and action Many men have dreamed big for Haiti. Toussaint Louverture and Jean Jacques Dessalines are examples. Although torn apart by invisible hands, the social fabric of the country had always been considered the greatest project to be set in motion by men of letters. Until then, the history of Haïti remains and remains for Haitians the most appropriate space to dream and propose full and complete freedom. Indeed, Toussaint Louverture had the dream of improving the lot of slaves. Dessalines, for his part, sacrificed himself for the independence of our island (Haiti-Saint-Domingue). After our liberation from the French, men of letters had to take other paths to safeguard the dignity of the country. This situation showed another form of revolution like poets of the patriotism school with supporters such as: Louis Joseph Janvier, Anténor Firmin, Demesvar Délorme and the Generation of the Round with Fernand Hibbert, Georges Sylvain also the indigenous school with Jean Price Mars, Jacques Stephen Alexis, Roussan Camille etc... who express their discontent by pouring ink. By describing or painting the situation of the country. Several years which were first conceived and then born the idea of ​​giving the country its sovereignty, its own bicolor, its army, etc. it was not easy and did not continue like this. Haïti needs for the moment men of dreams, men who love their countries, but not the wealth of this country, men who love the happiness of their country, but not its misfortunes, men who have viable projects , but are not specialists in carnage who are only interested in their pockets, rather for the happiness of our two-tone, men who must fight against corruption, against waste, against the invisible hands of foreigners, against this form of public administration which targets only a small group of people in the country to the detriment of the population, this form of insecurity planned by the state, the so-called bourgeoisies, economic powers from abroad such as: France, USA, Canada, Brazil. q~Haïti in 1979 with full power. Maître Fevry is said to have declared: The dream of Haïti cannot support, nor accept improvised solutions ~q. The Haitian’s dream must always be a team effort. A team of men of skill, vision, good will, reflection and meditation. q~ Men who can place their personal and private interests over public interests. Men who want to make a new start to achieve the dream of Jean Jacques Dessalines and that of Henri Christophe who aimed that Haitians will not envy any other country in the world so that all Haitians can be happy in their own country, chanted Professor Lesly Saint Roc Manigat.~q Our dear Haiti, which was once the pearl of the Antilles, is no longer present today. For this we ask all Haitians: children, young people, adults and old people, let us unite our arms, our strength, our voices and all that we could do to liberate our dear homeland Haïti Chérie. Let’s change our reality together! Long live Haiti, long live freedom for the whole world.

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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.