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Haiti: JACMEL, a city of hidden treasures for 326 YearsHaïti : Jacmel / Photos : Chrisfort Louis
Haiti: JACMEL, a city of hidden treasures for 326 Years
Haïti : Jacmel / Photos : Chrisfort Louis
  • 28 Jiyè 2024
  • | 0

Haiti: JACMEL, a city of hidden treasures for 326 Years

Jacmel, Haiti’s hidden gem, is celebrating its 326th anniversary this year. Located on the country’s southeastern coast, this picturesque city, known for its enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is an inexhaustible source of beauty and creativity.

Haïti : JacmelHaïti : Jacmel

A Thriving Economic History

Founded in 1698 by French colonists, Jacmel quickly distinguished itself with its port, which became a hub for maritime trade. Agricultural products such as coffee and sugar transited through it, marking the beginning of an economic prosperity that would shape the city’s identity. The colonial houses with colorful facades and balconies adorned with wrought iron still tell the story of this flourishing era today.

Haïti : JacmelHaïti : Jacmel

An Architectural Gem

Jacmel’s architecture is a captivating blend of French and Spanish colonial styles, reminiscent of New Orleans. Cobblestone streets, colonial houses, and historic buildings give the city a timeless charm. After the 1895 earthquake, Jacmel was rebuilt with a unique aesthetic that continues to fascinate visitors from around the world.

Haïti : Jacmel / Photos : Chrisfort LouisHaïti : Jacmel / Photos : Chrisfort Louis

Art and Culture: Soul of Jacmel

Jacmel is the beating heart of Haitian creativity. Its carnival, famous for its papier-mâché masks and colorful parades, is a vibrant spectacle that attracts thousands of people each year. The city is also a hotbed for artists, welcoming many painters, sculptors, and artisans who draw inspiration from Jacmel’s natural beauty and cultural energy.

Haïti : JacmelHaïti : Jacmel

Jacmel Beaches

Jacmel’s beaches, with their fine sand and crystal-clear waters, offer an idyllic setting to relax and recharge. Beaches like Raymond Les Bains and Ti Mouillage are havens of peace where nature reveals all its splendor. These heavenly places are perfect for lovers of swimming, diving, and breathtaking landscapes.

Haïti : Jacmel / Photos : Le paradis HaïtienHaïti : Jacmel / Photos : Le paradis Haïtien

Symbol of Resilience

Jacmel is also a symbol of resilience. In the face of economic challenges, natural disasters, and periods of instability, the people of Jacmel have always shown courage and determination. Today, the city is an example of rebirth, with initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism, local crafts, and education, ensuring a promising future for generations to come.

Celebrating its 326th anniversary, Jacmel stands proudly as a testament to Haitian beauty and creativity. Its enchanting landscapes, architectural heritage, and rich culture make it a must-see destination for those seeking to discover the very essence of Haiti. Through this celebration, we honor not only Jacmel’s glorious past, but also the bright future that lies ahead for this extraordinary city.

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About the Author
Faïly Anderson Trazil

    Born in Belle-Anse, one of the communes of the South-East department is commonly called “The city of fish”.
    He is passionate about writing and a medical student.

    See other articles from Faïly Anderson Trazil
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    Vertières, Fort Mazi: Beyond historical truth;

    If you look up the word vertière in a French dictionary, you will not find it for fear that the world does not know this place represents the Achilles heels of the most powerful European army. What’s more, this one had just successfully won the eastern campaign. French historians of the time erased this geographical location from the radar of history because they did not want to tell the story as it is in the sense of explaining the first great humiliation of the expeditionary army French by bands of slaves who were totally ignorant in the art of waging war, much less in the handling of weapons. However, these illiterate wars routed the Napoleonic army, the most powerful at that time, using the means at hand. This expeditionary army, after having brought Europe to its knees, would experience its first rout by slaves in this geographical location, located in the Northern department of Haiti. Funny story, this city is not on the list of French words even though given its historical importance, it should be at the heart of universal history, far from putting an end to the invincibility of the undefeated army army. So as not to offend the white masters, no political leader has ever asked why vertière does not appear in any French dictionary? However, they celebrate this battle with great fanfare every November 18. What historic hypocrisy among our leaders! After Vertière many other historical places are strangled by historians in order to hide the extremes of atrocities of the French colonists on the slaves. It is in this context of historical strangulation that “Fort Mazi” is not mentioned in school history textbooks. This is located in Petit-Goave, 2nd municipal section, Arnoux locality. We came across this mega fort, during a mobile clinic entirely financed by the Ernest Junior foundation, a charitable foundation which works in the social sector, particularly in the field of art and music. According to residents , the oldest in this locality, this fort was built on at least 20 squares of earth by the settlers. It was a huge military complex divided into compartments, outposts, turtle rooms, rooms for treating colonists, a large Catholic church, and a cemetery. However, we never talk about this fort so much so that it is ignored by history teachers in the town of Petit-Goave. Certainly, the desired disappearance of this fort under the radar of history buries the atrocities, the barbarities, the most inhumane punishments of the colonists on the slaves. Looking closely at reality, everything seems true that it is the largest fort ever built during the period of colonization. Moreover, it probably seems the most fortified in relation to its importance. Remember that Vertière only exists in Haitian school history textbooks while Fort Mazi does not appear, much less in French dictionaries or history books. This explains why this fort was a secret place in which the settlers practiced crimes and atrocities that went beyond human understanding. Is it not a clear desire of historians to hide what this immense fort built on at least 20 tiles of earth really was? 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

    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.