CAP-HAITIEN — Fèt Okap, Creole for Cap-Haïtien’s anniversary, means celebration for many. But for some, it signifies business opportunities. Indeed, it was easy to see that the city was in both party and business mode with a quick stroll down The Boulevard, the main road leading to the city, on Aug. 15.
“Fèm vann non, menm si son ti braslè 30 dola (Help me sell something, even if it’s just a bracelet for 30 dollars [150 gourdes] [ or USD 1]),” one vendor of clothing accessories implored a passerby.
“Se pa w pa achte frèsko a (You didn’t buy the fresco—snow cone),” a fresco vendor—standing behind her table— remarked to another pedestrian.
During the three-day annual Notre-Dame Grand Fair, young entrepreneurs lined the streets with tables filled with clothing accessories and more on either side of the road. The fair started on Aug. 13 and concluded on Aug. 15, coinciding with the city’s anniversary. According to the town officials, one of the fair’s objectives is to boost local entrepreneurs’ revenue during the festive season, when more residents are out and diaspora members visit the city.
Beaded bracelets, leather sandals, and snow cones were among the most commonly available items.
Below are some images from the last day of the fair on August 15.
A vendor flipping a piece of chicken on a grill during the Notre-Dame Grand Fair in Cap-Haïtien on August 15. 2024. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian TimesChicken meat cooking on a grill on The Boulevard in Cap-Haïtien during the Grand Notre-Dame Fair. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian TimesA vendor wiping dust off his leather sandals during the Notre-Dame Grand Fair in Cap-Haïtien on August 15. 2024. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian TimesA close look at the vendors’ leather sandals, a popular footwear style in Cap-Haïtien. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A man putting beads in a string to make a bracelet. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times Bracelets are another popular accessory in Cap-Haïtien. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian TimesDecorative bottles on display during the Notre-Dame Grand Fair on August 15, 2024, in Cap-Haïtien. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times Entrepreneur Darly Onel is posing for a picture in front of his decorative bottles. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian TimesA cake vendor holds her phone to her ear while waiting for customers. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian TimesCakes on display. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times Vendors put their items for sale on tables underneath tents on the side of the Boulevard during the Notre-Dame Grand Fair on August 15, 2024. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A fresco vendor during the Notre-Dame Grand Fair in Cap-Haïtien on August 15, 2024. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian TimesThe fresco vendor fills up a cup with crushed ice. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian TimesAnother fresco seller is waiting for customers in front of her table. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian TimesA Manba Lakay, or Home Peanut Butter, vendor flashing a smile. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian TimesA woman holding up two drinks during the Notre-Dame Grand Fair in Cap-Haïtien on August 15, 2024. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times