Listeners:
Top listeners:
play_arrow
RADIO DROMAGE
Bloc Party - Helicopter
Nothing much really
Lucy Harty
Chase Rice - Ready Set Roll
Are we on air???
Roy Yellow
Annoying Orange - Party Rock
You know I come to party hard!!
By Darline Honoré
PORT-AU-PRINCE — Haitians often say that culture shines through the chaos. Despite various sectors facing inactivity in the past year due to ongoing political instability and rampant insecurity fueled by gangs in the country, many advocates for cultural activities strove to uphold their traditions. Through carnival celebrations, literary events and musical productions, culture against all odds continued to thrive in 2024. Haiti continued to stand out for its ability to preserve its cultural traditions.
In music and fashion, the creative excitement of Port-au-Prince shines brightly. These cultural events remind us that even in adversity, the Haitian people refuse to give in to despair. By cultivating its traditions while opening itself to innovation, the city offers a powerful message of hope and endurance, reminding the world that culture is more than just entertainment; it is also an unshakeable force for survival.
Although the exact dates for the 2025 events below have yet to be confirmed, here’s a look back at how these cultural celebrations unfolded in 2024. People in Port-au-Prince demonstrated their desire to resist the tumults through art and celebration. Carnival, PaPJazz, Livres en Folie, and Artisanat en Fête were among eight major events that illuminated the cultural stage throughout the year.
Port-au-Prince, the lively capital and cultural heart of the country, was bustling with annual festivities. In 2024, Carnival, the main event of the city’s cultural calendar, transcended mere celebration; it symbolized resilience and unity. Despite ongoing sociopolitical tensions, revelers enjoyed themselves immensely. The city hosted its traditional Carnival from February 11 to 13. Though perhaps not as extravagant as the vibrant celebrations of the early 2000s, the event still unified people, showcasing their persistence and honoring Haitian heritage and cultural diversity.
“We know that the situation is not ideal, but carnival is our strength,” a carnival participant who asked to stay anonymous told The Haitian Times.
“This is where we forget our worries and show the world that we are a people of strong determination and endurance. Like an outlet, the Haitian people consider the carnival a refuge to forget the painful moments of their daily lives for a few hours. This year, we didn’t think that the carnival would take place, but for my part, as soon as the carnival festivities were announced, I would have to be in terrible shape not to make a plan to go.”
Theater plays a vital role in the cultural landscape of Port-au-Prince, serving as both an artistic outlet and a means of social commentary. The Quatre Chemins Festival, celebrated from Nov. 25 to Dec.7, reaffirmed its position as a key platform for both Haitian and international playwrights and artists.
This event usually showcases daring themes frequently drawn from the country’s political and social contexts, providing an opportunity for public dialogue and emotional release. In 2024, the program featured a reading of the play “We Don’t Go to War with a Dancing Life,” performed by actress Phannuela Lincifort, one of three Haitian works competing for the 2024 Radio France International Theater Award Prize.
“This is where we forget our worries and show the world that we are a people of strong determination and endurance. Like an outlet, the Haitian people consider the carnival a refuge to forget the painful moments of their daily lives for a few hours.”
Magalie Jean, A carnival participant in Port-au-Prince
“Theater is a mirror of our society. Participating in this festival also means making our voices heard in the chaos,” Micaëlle Charles, one of the festival’s organizers, said. “It’s a way of saying we refuse to be silenced.”
Indeed, Charles, who has been practicing the performing arts for more than five years, has frequently been among the performers at the Quatre Chemins Festival. In the 2024 edition, she offered the audience and theater enthusiasts a breath of fresh air with her performance on the theme “No to Masks and Masquerades.”
Orchestrated by Haitian author, actor, and director Guy Junior Régis, the 21st edition of the festival was an unmissable event on the Haitian cultural scene. While the festival came to an end on Dec. 7, the organizers have already launched the 22nd edition, which will take place from November to December 2025.
It has been 30 years since book and literature enthusiasts first gathered at Haiti’s largest book fair: Livres en Folie. The literary event has been an annual rendezvous since then. The 30th edition nearly didn’t happen last year due to the socio-political situation in the country that began in February. Originally planned for May 30, it was ultimately postponed to August 2024. Despite considerable challenges, this year’s prominent literary gathering still took place.
Music remains a central element of Haitian culture. The stages of Port-au-Prince once again vibrated in 2024 to the rhythm of Pap Jazz. Indeed, the international jazz festival of Port-au-Prince made its grand return to the capital after an unfaithful edition in Cap-Haitien last year.
This 17th edition, which took place from Jan. 25 to 28, saw several musicians and groups entertain the audience at the luxurious Karibe Convention Center. The audience members who made the trip without fear or hesitation participated in this event, which featured a rich and diverse program.
“Every piece of craft I sell is a victory against difficulties. It’s my way of resisting and showing that, even in adversity, Haitian craftsmanship remains strong.”
Ronald Pierre, One of the artisans at the Artisanat en Fête fair
“It’s a privilege to play in front of such a passionate audience. We all need these moments of sharing to remind us that music is a refuge,” said a young guitarist who participated in the show for the first time.
Although the organizers preferred postponing the 2024 edition by 10 days, it still made people happy.
Musicians and musical groups persevered, despite being affected by the challenges of the current situation. They kept the Haitian musical repertoire alive by releasing new pieces and albums for audiences to enjoy.
Among the new musical releases, we find collaborations such as those of Rutshelle Guillaume and Richard Cavé in “Tolere W”; those of Rutshelle, Michael Brun, and the American star John Legend in “Safe”; and the albums by Fatima Altieri, Kenny Sinvil, better known as Kenny Haïti, and the Konpa band Klass, to name just a few. Other pieces have emerged, and the TikTok platform has helped us enjoy them.
Festivities of December 2024 were no exception, although the festive spirit that once characterized this period seems to have faded. Some events occurred at the beginning of the month, and others, continuing the tradition, took place toward the end. These initiatives, led by artists and cultural organizations, show that cultural life remains a priority for residents even in a context marked by insecurity and economic difficulties.
Nonetheless, Christmas decorations, which once filled the streets and homes, were not as visible. Public markets and supermarkets were quieter than usual, and shop windows were dimmer. Many are optimistic that 2025 will bring back a more lively atmosphere for the celebration.
On Dec. 7 and 8, the 2nd edition of “Haiti à Déguster” brought together gourmets and the curious to celebrate the culinary riches of the country. This event, organized by Emmanuel Gregory Morissette and EGM Strategy & Management, aimed to gather gastronomy enthusiasts, talented chefs, and a public eager to discover or rediscover Haitian flavors.
It highlighted Haitian cuisine and allowed participants to discover or rediscover traditional dishes and modern creations, demonstrating the talent of local chefs. Despite the logistical challenges linked to the country’s current situation, the organizers were able to offer a unique experience, proving that culinary art remains a pillar of Haitian cultural identity.
“Haitian cuisine tells our story,” said 55-year-old Roseline Godin, a participant. “By tasting these dishes, we remember who we are and everything we have overcome.”
The weekend of December 14-15, 2024, was dedicated to the unmissable event for craft lovers, “Artisanat en Fête.” Organized for the first time in 2007 by Le Nouvelliste and the Institute for Research and Promotion of Haitian Art (IRPAH), this event once again brought together artisans from across the country, who came to exhibit their unique creations: jewelry, sculptures, textiles, and other handmade wonders. It was an opportunity for visitors to support the local economy while promoting traditional Haitian know-how. This year, it was the Karibe Convention Center, located in Juvenat, PétionVille, which was the scene of the 18-year-old event.
“Every piece I sell is a victory against difficulties. It’s my way of resisting and showing that, even in adversity, Haitian craftsmanship remains strong,” said Pierre, an artisan whose creations are made of wood.
In addition, Artisanat en Fête brings together a wide range of people for the same cause, during the same period. This guarantees the artisans a return, however small it may be, compared to the times they sit in their shop waiting for people to come to them. This is what a young woman who had a “stand” of crocheted sandals told us. “The country doesn’t really allow people to travel to make purchases, let alone artisanal products; it’s a great opportunity that Artisanat en Fête offers us,” she concludes.
8. The Code: A tradition that continues
Finally, on Dec. 30, an iconic event, “The Code,” closed out the year. This traditional event is a must for fashion, music, and art lovers. Organized by Haitian arts promoter Harry Luc, it provides a platform for local and international talent to shine while bringing together a community united by creativity. This year marked the 15th-anniversary edition.
The public can’t wait to be reunited for the 16th edition, scheduled to take place in December 2025.
The post 8 Port-au-Prince cultural events to look forward to in 2025 appeared first on The Haitian Times.
For every Show page the timetable is auomatically generated from the schedule, and you can set automatic carousels of Podcasts, Articles and Charts by simply choosing a category. Curabitur id lacus felis. Sed justo mauris, auctor eget tellus nec, pellentesque varius mauris. Sed eu congue nulla, et tincidunt justo. Aliquam semper faucibus odio id varius. Suspendisse varius laoreet sodales.
close
