Haiti is a beautiful, culturally-rich nation, with deep roots in tradition and history. And if there’s one thing the people of Haiti know how to do well, it’s celebrate. While there are a number of special occasions that occur throughout the calendar year, here are just four Haitian holidays you’re sure to want to join in on!
1. Carnival: Carnival is Haiti’s biggest celebration, held over several weeks each year beginning at the end of January. These vibrant, lively festivities always culminate with Fat Tuesday, commonly referred to as Mardi Gras. This also happens to be the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the Catholic holiday marking the start of the Lenten season. Haiti’s largest annual Carnival is held in its capital city of Port-au-Prince, with smaller celebrations taking place simultaneously in other towns throughout the country. This season is characterized by its colorful parades, dynamic music, traditional art, and spirited dance performances.
2. Rara: Rara is a holiday which originated in Haiti, and is celebrated every year during Easter week. This celebration revolves around festival music played during street processions. While the music centers on a set of cylindrical bamboo trumpets (known as vaksen), several accompanying instruments are also featured. Participants have the opportunity to enjoy the sounds of maracas, metal bells, and traditional percussive instruments called güiras. The songs are always performed in Haitian Creole, and tell the story of the nation’s African ancestry.
By Good Friday, streets all across the country are packed with bands, dancers, and colorful, glittering costumes. At the street processions, musicians like to shout out refrains of special songs, and people will join in with their own impromptu percussion instruments, often made from soft drink bottles or skillets.
3. Independence Day: Independence Day is always recognized on January 1st, the date chosen to commemorate Haiti’s declaration of independence from France in 1804, as well as the return to its historical name. To celebrate, thousands of people gather in Port-au-Prince to watch parades and visit the National Palace on the Champs de Mars. In addition, Haitians take part in singing their national anthem, dancing through the streets, and marveling at the fireworks display. Independence Day is not only a time to
remember the nation’s past, but to look expectantly towards its future.
4. Ancestry Day: Ancestry Day is a public holiday celebrated annually on January 2nd, immediately following the country’s Independence Day. While in most parts of the world people are still reveling in the New Year, Haitians take the time to remember their history. The country comes together to commemorate their beloved ancestors, those who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence. The Haitian people reflect on the significance of those who fought for their freedom in the early 19th century,
and often host military processions to mark the day.
What’s your favorite holiday or excuse to celebrate? Let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
