Haiti’s Ouanaminthe celebrates Notre Dame in a Colorful Mix of Faith and cultural tradition

OUANAMINTHE —Residents of Haiti’s northeastern city of Ouanaminthe celebrated the annual Notre Dame de l’Assomption on August 15, filling the streets with a lively blend of faith, tradition, and community spirit.

As the faithful gathered in the heart of the city, known for its rich cultural heritage, the air was filled with the sounds of Catholic prayers mixing with the rhythm of Vodou drums and the vibrant energy of the street vendors and the pilgrims.. The celebration of Notre Dame, as it is commonly called, isn’t just a religious event; it’s a powerful expression of the city’s deep-rooted traditions.

“The celebration brings peace, joy and deliverance to all members of the community,” said Judith Valsaint, a devoted member of Notre Dame de L’Assomption de Ouanaminthe church.

The day began with a mass led by Bishop Quesnel Alphonse of the Diocese of Fort-Liberté, who called on the faithful to embrace generosity and love. Under a newly erected tent, next to the church Notre Dame de L’Assomption, designed to accommodate the growing number of worshippers, church leaders dressed in white gathered to offer prayers and blessings to parishioners seeking solace.

“The feast of Our Lady of the Assumption holds great significance for the residents of the city as well as the pilgrims who come from all over, as it provides an opportunity to showcase the community’s potential in terms of crafts, agriculture, and gastronomy. This serves as an economic boon before the reopening of schools.”

Edgalye Billion, a Ouanaminthe church member

Inside the tent, a sea of worshippers—Catholics, city officials, and visitors alike—immersed themselves in the service. Eyes closed in deep concentration, many raised their hands in fervent prayer, their voices rising in song, asking for divine intervention in their personal struggles and the nation’s troubles.

In the week leading up to celebration , the city was alive with the “Fèt Chanpèt” spirit, as people made their way between the church, the market, and the square around the church of Notre Dame. Following Mass, priests from neighboring parishes and prominent figures from the city convened at the presbytery of Notre Dame Church for a communal meal, where they shared stories and laughter.

Meanwhile, the streets near the church Notre Dame and around the parc buzzed with activity. Under colorful tents on one side of the parc, vendors offered pilgrims a variety of items—rosaries, candles, flowers, clothes, and bracelets adorned with spiritual images, all meant to aid in prayers to Notre Dame. On the other side, vendors under vibrant umbrellas sold local snacks and traditional regional dishes, their aromas filling the air as people mingled, danced, laughed, and embraced the joyful atmosphere.

Not far from the church, Vodou practitioners held their own ceremonies, singing, dancing, and making offerings to the loas, seamlessly blending the spiritual with the cultural in this unique celebration.

As night fell, the festivities reached their peak in Notre Dame Square, where Disque Joker, troubadour groups, and Vodou choirs performed, drawing the crowd into a lively dance that continued into the night.

“The Notre Dame festival is important for trade and business,” said Nèhèmie Joseph, a young local. “It’s a chance for small traders and people in the area to make a profit.”

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Haiti’s Ouanaminthe celebrates Notre Dame in a Colorful Mix of Faith and cultural tradition was first posted on August 18, 2024 at 9:38 am.