JACMEL 3hr20 min from the Capital of Haïti is the Best Summer Destination

Guédés: When Haïti celebrates its ancestors with color and fervor

Every November 1st and 2nd, Haïti comes alive with the colors black and purple to celebrate the Guédés, spirits venerated in the voodoo religion, symbols of a powerful bond between the living and the dead. Fascinating, indomitable and provocative, the Guédés form a true family in the pantheon of Haitian voodoo, where they are respected for their role as spiritual guides of the deceased to the afterlife. Led by iconic figures such as the legendary Baron Samedi and his companion Grann Brigitte, the Guédés embody the paradoxes of life and death. Each Baron has a unique personality: Baron Cimetière, Baron Kriminel, and Baron La Croix are the guardians of the souls that wander on the borders of the world of the dead. Together, they form a powerful and somewhat frightening presence, but one that is deeply rooted in Haitian culture. The Guédés are not like other voodoo spirits; they demonstrate their fearlessness in a spectacular way. Accustomed to death, they are fearless and are provocative: they eat glass, raw peppers, and coat their sensitive parts with rum and pepper. These gestures mark their indifference to danger and remind us that they have already known earthly life. They are thus psychopomps – these beings who lead the souls of the dead – and act as bridges between the world of the living and that of the dead. Some Guédés, like Guédé Nibo, wear black, purple, and white clothing, each with unique characteristics. They are many and varied: Guédé Fouillé, Guédé Loraj, Papa Guédé, and many others. These are the spirits who, each year, remind Haitians of the importance of remembering and honoring the deceased. The cult of the Guédés is not only religious; it is also cultural and historical. According to tradition, their spiritual territory, or “Fètomè” – nicknamed the “Country without Hats” – is a place where the souls of ancestors reside. According to stories, the origins of this cult go back to the Abomey plateau, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Dahomey, in Africa, where death and life coexist in a form of symbiosis. This celebration in Haïti even finds echoes in ancient history. The Romans also honored their dead with the “Fête des Lémuria”, which took place in February, to ward off spirits and restore peace between the world of the living and that of the deceased. For Haitians, honoring the Guédés is about accepting death as a part of life and celebrating the invisible bonds that unite us with those who have left us. It is also a way of resisting, because life, despite its challenges, must be celebrated in all its complexity and depth.

Three young leaders honored for their social impact during the 11th edition of PRIM POU CHANJMAN

Since 2014, the “PRIM POU CHANJMAN” (PPC) initiative, orchestrated by Gwoup Konbit through Leaders of Tomorrow, honors extraordinary young Haitians who carry out remarkable actions to improve their community. Initially called the “CITE SOLEIL PEACE PRIZE” and limited to young people from Cité Soleil, this program expanded in 2023 to include all young people in the country with a positive social impact. For its 11th edition, three young leaders were rewarded for their dedication and social influence in their respective communities.

The Haitian Webmaster: Guy Alain Appolon, an undisputed reference

In the digital panorama of Haiti, Guy Alain Appolon stands out as an essential figure, particularly in the field of web development. Its name resonates as a reference for quality and innovation. What sets Appolon apart is his ability to merge art and code, an ability forged by his multiple talents, notably as a painter, computer graphic designer and musician, giving him extraordinary creativity.

Appolon Guy Alain: Reference Web Designer in Haiti

In the ever-changing world of web development, some names stand out for their expertise, creativity and commitment to knowledge sharing. Among them, Appolon Guy Alain shines like a beacon in the web design industry in Haiti. With more than 70 websites to his credit, intranet systems and many other projects, he is recognized as an indisputable reference in his field. What sets Apolon’s work apart are the attractive interfaces it creates. Sites such as https://haitiwonderland.com/, https://leadersdedemain.org/, https://shippex.net/, https://telehaiti.ht/, https://www.kelphotographystudio.com/, https ://leparadishaitien.ht/, https://beltike.com/ and many others, demonstrate his exceptional talent for combining aesthetics and functionality in a harmonious way. The key to Apolon’s success lies in its ability to merge art and technology. Before becoming an accomplished computer scientist, he was already a painter, a professional musician and a computer graphic designer. This diversity of talents gives him extraordinary creativity, allowing him to imagine unique and memorable interfaces. But Apolon not only creates remarkable websites, he also generously shares his knowledge and experience. In December 2022, he launched Coding Club Haiti, an initiative aimed at providing younger generations with the opportunities offered by the digital world. This initiative has gone beyond the borders of Haïti thanks to a collaboration with the Scientific Club of Students of the Virtual University of Burkina Faso, thus allowing Appolon to share its knowledge with young people from Burkina Faso, and soon, other countries from Africa. Read also: https://haitiwonderland.com/haiti/personnalite/expert-en-seo-et-uiux-design--decouvrez-le-developpeur-haitien-appolon-guy-alain/65 For Appolon, digital represents an essential pillar for the economic development of his country, Appolon is fully committed to this change. However, Apollo does not rest on his laurels. Always eager to learn, he is currently venturing into fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence, looking forward to the challenges the future holds. If you are looking for someone to create your website, Apolon is undoubtedly the best choice. Do not hesitate to contact him on his Facebook or Instagram page, or visit his personal website at https://www.appographic.com. With Appolon Guy Alain, your web project is in expert and creative hands, ready to bring your most daring ideas to life. Follow Appolon on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/appolon.guyalain Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/appolon-guy-alain-298424113 Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/appolonguyalain65 Twitter : https://twitter.com/GuyAppolon Github : https://github.com/Appogithub

Haïti Summer: A Season of Festivals and Natural Beauty

Haiti, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Antilles," is a vibrant and culturally rich destination, particularly during the summer. This period is marked by a series of colorful festivals, heavenly beaches, and a festive atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the world. Here’s a look at what you can experience while exploring Haïti in summer.

Plan your trip to Haïti

Haïti, the pearl of the Caribbean nestled west of the island of Hispaniola, offers a captivating combination of natural beauty and rich history. For an unforgettable trip, follow these wise tips to plan your stay. b~Prior Research~b Before you begin your trip, immerse yourself in Haïti’s rich culture, fascinating history, delicious cuisine and top attractions. This prior immersion will allow you to make the most of your stay and connect more easily with locals. b~Ideal time to travel~b Haïti’s mild climate throughout the year makes it an attractive tourist destination at any time. Your choice of period will depend on your preferences. If you’re passionate about cultural festivities, don’t miss the Haïtian Carnival in February, a vibrant celebration leading up to Lent. For lovers of paradise beaches like Labadee, La Côte des Arcadins, and others, summer offers a perfect mix of sun and fun times in crystal clear waters. If spirituality appeals to you, August 15 marks the Feast of the Assumption, a religious celebration marking the Virgin Mary’s ascension into heaven. And also November 1st and 2nd are dedicated to the Day of the Dead. Families go to the cemetery to honor and decorate the graves of their deceased loved ones, creating an atmosphere steeped in memory and tradition. History buffs may choose to visit on national holidays such as National Independence Day on January 1, Flag Day on May 18, and other significant events. b~Choice of Accommodation~b Haïti offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to family-friendly B&Bs. Adapt your choice according to your budget and preferences, favoring local accommodation for a more authentic experience. b~Unmissable Tourist Sites~b Among the gems to explore, discover the majestic Citadelle Laferrière, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the Sans Souci Palace, the La Visite National Park, the Milot Cathedral, Fort Jacques, the Heroes of Vertières, the Bassin Bleu , the Saut-Mathurine Waterfall, the Marie-Jeanne Cave, Kenscoff and Furcy, as well as the Saut d’Eau Waterfall. Also explore the artistic wealth of Haïti through its artisan markets. b~Taste Local Cuisine~b Haïtian cuisine is a symphony of exotic flavors. Be sure to sample local dishes such as griot and pea-sticky rice at local markets for an authentic culinary experience. b~Local Culture~b Haïtian culture, influenced by a rich history, is diverse and vibrant. Respect local customs, be open-minded and willing to learn. The warmth and hospitality of the Haïtians add a unique dimension to your experience. b~Means of Transport~b Opt for modern means of land transport such as Capital Coach Line, Transport Chic, Sans-Souci Tours, Le Transporteur, Grand Nord. For aerial explorers, easily book your flight with Sunrise Airways. Car rental is also an option for those looking for a more private experience. b~Language and Communication~b Although Haïtian Creole is the main language, French is also widely used. Learn a few basic phrases in Creole to facilitate exchanges and enrich your experience. By meticulously planning your trip to Haïti, you open yourself up to discovering the natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality of this Caribbean gem. Get ready to experience a unique and memorable adventure in Haïti.