News / Theater

Discover the history of Haiti: A fascinating story to explore!

Once nicknamed "the pearl of the Antilles", Haïti is an island of remarkable fertility, a fascinating destination that combines spectacular natural beauty with a rich and complex history. It is part of the Greater Antilles alongside Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica. Nestled between the two Americas, on the Panama Canal route, this island nation is a well-kept treasure, offering visitors a unique blend of magnificent landscapes, vibrant culture and historical heritage.

Life: Cultural heritage and family pleasure for the youth of Jacmel

In Jacmel, a group of young people called Eau de Vie, founded in June 2021, is dedicated to the rediscovery of Haitian culture. Among the founding members are César Rocher, Déborah Vil, Max Jean Julien, Lansley Lemaire, Jacky Edwing Laguerre, Francesca Faustin, Sthélianie Dominique, Mackenson Gilot and Gédeon Riché. Their mission is to introduce young people to unknown sites in their own city, and soon, throughout the country. Through events like the "Jounen Dantan", Eau de Vie highlights local traditions and promotes cultural exchanges. Mainly based in Jacmel, the group organizes its activities in emblematic places such as the blue basin. Eau de vie aspires to strengthen the feeling of belonging of young people towards their heritage and to promote a spirit of community and sharing within Haitian youth.

Bois-Caiman Ceremony: Origin of the Haitian Revolution and Symbol of Resistance

In the late 18th century, Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) was a prosperous French colony, producing much of the world’s sugar and coffee through the forced labor of African slaves. This wealth was based on a brutal plantation system, where slaves endured inhumane living conditions. Social tensions were high, exacerbated by racial inequality and the violent repression of slaves by the colonists. In the face of this oppression, slaves never stopped resisting. Maroons, escaped slaves, led attacks on plantations and maintained pockets of resistance in the mountains. The French Revolution of 1789, with its ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity, also resonated among the slaves of Saint-Domingue, awakening aspirations for emancipation.

Haiti: Between Contrasting Geography and Natural Wealth

On January 1, 1804, Haïti became free after a fierce struggle against colonization and slavery. Located in the Caribbean region, it occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. With an area of ​​27,750 km², it is bordered to the north by the Atlantic Ocean, to the south and west by the Caribbean Sea and to the east by a land border of 376 kilometers with its eastern neighbor. This geographical location, rich in contrasts, shapes not only its identity, but also the economic and environmental challenges that the country must face.

Haiti: The Cradle of Independence

Haiti, nestled in the Caribbean, is often recognized for its picturesque beaches and rich culture. However, this island country also carries a deep and significant historical legacy: that of being the first black country to gain independence and abolish slavery, becoming a powerful symbol of freedom and resistance.

The Port-au-Prince Book Fair announces the opening of author registration for its second edition

The Port-au-Prince Book Fair is a literary initiative of the cultural organization Port-au-Prince Book Fair (OCSLP), based on the desire to promote Haitian culture in general, with a particular focus on literature. The organizers of the event have just announced the registration of authors, who will number 20, and those of publishing houses, who will number 5 for the second edition, which will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024, in the premises of the French Institute in Haiti. The registration deadline is Thursday, October 10 of this year. Please note that the first to arrive who have met the required criteria will be eligible to take part in this second edition of the event, according to the organizers’ admission. This rigorous and restricted selection of only 20 authors aims to guarantee an enriching experience for authors and the public, thus promoting authentic exchanges around the works presented. Independent authors and publishing houses interested in registering their authors to participate in this second edition of the fair are invited to submit their application via this link: https://form.jotform.com/louirardjohn8/salon-du-livre-de-port-au-prince. For publishing and distribution houses planning to exhibit on the day of the event, you can register by clicking on this link: https://form.jotform.com/242596699603068. You are requested to contact them at the following address: salondulivre2023@gmail.com in case of difficulties. The Port-au-Prince Book Fair remains faithful to its philosophy, which is to offer a platform to young authors and to promote the richness of Haitian literary production, by supporting new authors who contribute to its growth. This event is a continuation of the first edition, aimed at allowing the emergence of an environment conducive to exchanges, where young authors can meet, share their experiences and engage in dialogue with readers and book professionals. According to the organizers of the event, your participation as a young author will be essential to enrich the fair and offer a diverse experience to visitors. The invitation to join this noble initiative is extended to young authors who have not yet published 5 books. You who are concerned, the ball is now in your court. Do not hesitate to go and make this day, December 13, 2024, an unforgettable day for all book lovers.

Conference / Festival Quatre Chemins / 21st edition

The impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people in Port-au-Prince While writers, actors, dancers, poets, among others, have gratified us with their performances, the master’s degree student in psychology at the Faculty of Human Sciences (FASCH), Lourdya Blaise, spoke with the audience about trauma. Structured around the theme "Youth and Trauma, analysis of the impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people living in Port-au-Prince between 2010-2024", this conference gave rise to enriching discussions. During this meeting, moderated by Michaël Formilus, Ms. Blaise showed how the events that have taken place in the country have caused cases of trauma among Haitians. According to the student, citing the American Psychological Association, we speak of trauma as a consequence of trauma. The latter is explained by the fact that we feel threatened, whether it is the person in question or their loved ones. However, she specifies that a collective trauma remains depending on the impact that the event has on the individual. To illustrate her remarks, she mentioned the earthquake of January 12, 2010, considered a collective trauma, insofar as it still occupies our minds. This tragedy reminds us of the disappearance of our loved ones and enormous losses. This is the case of a trauma that becomes a collective trauma. For the student, it should be emphasized that when an event occurs, some people are traumatized and others are not. According to him, the violence of armed gangs is not perceived in the same way, says Ms. Blaise. There are people who have fled their homes but are not traumatized. In fact, some people see traumatic situations as a passing event, she says. The speaker also spoke about collective trauma, which, according to him, preoccupies the mind, even if we no longer experience it. It manifests itself in several forms: lack of sleep, fear psychosis, intrusive thoughts, intense heartbeat, etc. Generally, symptoms related to trauma are hard to die. When it persists, it becomes acute stress. To deal with it, we must talk to other people. If the situation persists, acute stress turns into a phase of post-traumatic stress; in this case, we must confide in a trusted person or go see a mental health specialist, she advises. In her presentation, Lourdya Bazile also drew attention to the psychological state of children in these times. According to the presenter, children are also facing this crisis situation, even if they do not talk about it to their parents. As much as adults, children also plan their future. Faced with flouted school years, they become pensive and worried, she stressed. They withdraw. The child who used to be brilliant can become violent and perform less well at school. Parents are called upon to listen to them and understand them. A good moment of exchange, rich in practical advice. The audience participated fully. In turn, the presenter invites them to breathe better and meditate. "We live in a country where worries mix, we must take time for ourselves, do sports, eat well, make sure that the sleeping space is clean and take time for ourselves. There is more than one way to find calm," recalls the psychologist. Gertrude Jean-Louis

Coupé Cloué, the king of Haitian music.

Coupé Cloué, whose real name is Jean Gesner Henry, is a genius of Haitian music, both singer and musician, his mark in the musical pantheon of Haïti is alongside the most prestigious names, such as Nemours Jean-Baptiste, Robert Sico et al.

12 Must-See Hotels in Haiti

Welcome to Haiti, a hidden gem of the Caribbean, where warm hospitality, pristine beaches and rich culture await you. If you are planning to visit this heavenly country, we have compiled a list of 12 most notable hotels to make your stay unforgettable.