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Living in prose and poetry: A successful bet for the Cultural Association Salon du Livre de Port-au-Prince
Living in prose and poetry: A successful bet for the Cultural Association Salon du Livre de Port-au-Prince
Living in prose and poetry: A successful bet for the Cultural Association Salon du Livre de Port-au-Prince

Living in prose and poetry: A successful bet for the Cultural Association Salon du Livre de Port-au-Prince

On Saturday, July 27, the Pyepoudre cultural center, located at number 312 on the road to Bourdon, was transformed into a real creative hive thanks to the initiative of the Cultural Association Salon du Livre de Port-au-Prince entitled ’’Living in prose and poetry’’. This event, placed under the theme "from Haiti, a country that lives in us", fully kept its promises. Bringing together young talents from all walks of life to express their genius through song, rap, slam, dance and poetry. This artistic event was a great success with a young audience who came in large numbers to follow the activity. It also highlighted the growing commitment of Haitian youth to culture.

A memorable day for the public

The first part of the day was enlivened by the intervention of the young poet and art history student at the UEH, Dakovens Paulin, followed by that of the cultural journalist Carl-Henry Pierre, who presented the novel "L’Autre face de la mer" by Louis-Philippe DAlembert.

The two speakers respectively took care to approach the novel in its sociological and psychoanalytical dimension in their interventions, they also offered the young audience the opportunity to reflect on the theme of exile and its importance in the life of the Haitian being. The conference ended with an enriching exchange between the speakers and the public. The rest of the day was marked by varied artistic performances that captivated an enthusiastic audience eager for such an event.

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A total success

The success of this activity bears the mark of another point of honor, in the very beautiful calendar of the Cultural Association Salon du Livre de port-au-prince. According to the organizers of the event, the objective was not only to promote young talents, but also to create a space conducive to the development of Haitian culture and to constitute a communication network between the talents of Port-au-Prince. "The second edition of Vivre en prose et en poésie was a great celebration, a beautiful cultural atmosphere. But also, a moment of reunion between some long-time comrades, some actors of the Haitian cultural environment. The feedback is positive. We are satisfied within the team with our achievement. Already, very much alive and ready for the future. We are for a strong and useful Haitian culture," declared Emmanuel Pacorme, the general coordinator of the association. Moreover, Marcus Jusma, a young sociology student at the U.E.H, declared that he had a pleasant time "in summary, I can say that this day was a great journey into the world of literature and culture of my country". he finally admitted, his face full of enthusiasm.

Another representation of Haitian youth

The Cultural Association Salon du Livre de Port-au-Prince embodies a part of Haitian youth that wants to be the bearer of a voice different from that associated with violence. At a time when Haitian youth is often reduced to an image of armed gangs defying public authorities, this association shows another side of Haiti. It demonstrates that the prospect of an alternative future for the country is possible thanks to a youth determined to promote literature, arts and culture.

The day of prose and poetry organized by the Cultural Association Salon du Livre de Port-au-Prince was a real success. It not only highlighted the talents of Haitian youth, but also strengthened the bond between young artists and the public. This second edition of "Living in Prose and Poetry" will remain a powerful testimony to the vitality and cultural richness that characterize Haïti in its deepest intimacy.

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About the Author
Moise Francois
Moise Francois
Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

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Timoun se Moun: A poetry competition to promote children’s rights in Haiti

A wounded country. Bent under the weight of a multidimensional crisis. Widespread violence. Hope slammed shut. A sacrificed generation. Children are increasingly threatened. They are increasingly confronted with all forms of vulnerability that hinder their overall development. ACTIF is launching the second edition of the "Timoun se Moun" poetry competition. A citizen initiative in which the organization uses writing as a springboard to build what life deprives Haitian children of. Pain can be turned into gold. For ACTIF (Community Action for Transformation and Formal Integration), poetry is a philosopher’s stone. Not only for this organization, but also for all those who believe that writing can help rekindle the stars. Faced with this urgent need for action, this is "an initiative to raise awareness, denounce, and affirm loud and clear that every child matters, every child deserves protection, hope, and a future," reads the competition’s descriptive document. So what do you intend to do with your human light? Through this competition, participants have the opportunity to engage in an act of resistance, like a cry of conscience to raise the voice of broken childhoods. Open from May 18 to June 18, "Timoun se Moun" is open to all Haitians living in the country and aged 18 and over. Texts must be submitted in Creole. Behind this initiative, ACTIF intends, on the one hand, to affirm our cultural and linguistic identity, and on the other, to enrich our Creole literature, promote it, and encourage creativity in our vernacular. The text must not exceed 500 words. The format chosen is PDF, Times New Roman font, size 12, and 1.5 line spacing. This competition aims to offer a touch of affection to these children who are the first victims of the country’s descent into hell. To evaluate the literary quality and essence of the submitted texts, a jury is composed of Ruthza Paul, Douglas Zamor, and Darly Renois. The former is a physician and winner of the first edition of this competition. The other two work in the fields of sociology, psychology, and literature. In addition to the "Jury Prize: 15,000 HTG + books + certificate" and "Audience Prize: 5,000 HTG + certificate + books" prizes, the best texts will be included in an anthology to be published by Éditions Répérages. It should be noted that there will be one winner for each prize. This initiative reflects ACTIF’s commitment to honoring authors who embrace the cause of underprivileged children while enriching Haiti’s literary heritage. This competition extends a helping hand to all those who believe that through poetry, one can transform one’s life into a masterpiece. At the same time, it offers the opportunity to contribute to ACTIF’s child protection program. Each participant may submit a single text. It must be sent by email to the following address: actifkonkoupwezi@gmail.com. The partial results will be published on June 30, 2025, and the final results on July 18, 2025. For more information, visit ACTIF at the following address: 18 Rue Desdunes, Imp. Thoby, Mahotière 79, Carrefour, Haiti, or contact the organization at the following number: (+509) 38 44 57 57. More than just a contest, ACTIF invites you to say No. No to forgetting. No to passivity. No to violence against children and the violation of their rights.

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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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.

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