Honoring freedom where it began: Fort-Liberté’s annual commemoration of Haiti’s independence

FORT-LIBERTÉ—In the heart of Haiti’s northeast, the city of Fort-Liberté has long been a guardian of the nation’s revolutionary past. On November 28 and 29, this coastal town came alive with vibrant festivities to commemorate the drafting and the first proclamation of Haiti’s Act of Independence in 1803. Though the nation officially celebrates its independence on January 1, Fort-Liberté has carved out its place in history as the site where freedom was first declared.

This year, the city’s mayor, Etienne Louis-Jacques, and members of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), led by President Lesly Voltaire, highlighted Fort-Liberté’s pivotal role in Haiti’s independence movement. Against a backdrop of cultural pride and unity, thousands gathered to celebrate, reflect, and honor the sacrifices that birthed the world’s first Black republic.

A Historic Declaration, a New National Day

Fort-Liberté’s historical significance often goes unrecognized compared to more well-known sites like Gonaïves. Yet it was here, at Fort Saint-Joseph, that Jean-Jacques Dessalines and other revolutionary leaders announced Haiti’s independence to the world on November 29, 1803, just days after their resounding victory at the Battle of Vertières.

This year, Lesly Voltaire marked the occasion by issuing a landmark decree designating November 29 as a national day of reflection and research on the historical events surrounding Haiti’s independence. “This day will serve as an opportunity to deepen understanding of Haiti’s revolutionary past and the sacrifices of its ancestors,” Voltaire said, addressing an audience gathered in Saint-Joseph Square.

“The People’s pencil has no eraser. Even if they wish to erase all the dates and symbols, they will not be able to do so because the People’s pencil has no eraser,”

Lesly Voltaire, president of the CPT, in Saint Joseph Square in Fort-Libert.é.

The decree underscores the importance of preserving and commemorating Haiti’s revolutionary heritage, particularly in places like Fort-Liberté, which are central to the country’s narrative but often overlooked.

A Celebration Rooted in Community Pride

For nearly 25 years, Fort-Liberté has celebrated November 28 and 29 with a mix of solemn reflection and joyful festivity, thanks to efforts by the Association for the Development of Folibété and its Environment (ADFE). This year’s events featured a packed itinerary, from the solemnity of a Te Deum at Saint-Joseph Cathedral to parades, traditional dances, and cultural showcases.

Mayor Louis-Jacques emphasized the city’s commitment to preserving this tradition: “As a community, we are committed to ensuring that the legacy of our ancestors continues to live on through this celebration. It is a reminder that the independence we cherish was hard-won.”

Residents worked tirelessly to prepare for the festivities, cleaning streets, decorating the city, and restoring Fort Saint-Joseph to its former glory. The result was a vibrant display of unity and pride, with people of all generations contributing to the celebration.

Unity in the Face of Modern Challenges

While the festivities honored the past, they also provided a much-needed reprieve from Haiti’s current struggles. With gang violence, economic instability, and political uncertainty affecting much of the country, Fort-Liberté’s celebration served as a sanctuary of peace and solidarity.

“Fort-Liberté has always been a sanctuary of peace,” said Pautinsky Fortuné, a community leader who helped organize the events. “By celebrating here, we show the rest of Haiti that unity is still possible.”

Security was a key priority, with heightened police patrols ensuring the safety of participants. Residents expressed immense pride in their city’s ability to host such an event despite the challenges facing the nation.

Bridging the Past and Present

The celebrations culminated in a cultural showcase that bridged the past and present. Local artists performed revolutionary-inspired pieces, and schoolchildren paraded through the streets, proudly carrying the Haitian flag. Bishop Quesnel Alphonse of Saint-Joseph Cathedral highlighted the importance of decentralization in his homily, urging today’s youth to carry forward the founders’ vision of justice and equality.

“This date reminds us of the tremendous contribution to the struggle for the liberation of the country from colonial, slave, and racist oppression,” Voltaire said during his address. “The people’s pencil has no eraser.”

The event also served as a call to action for Haitians to draw inspiration from their revolutionary ancestors to address contemporary challenges. History professors in attendance emphasized that the ideals of freedom and unity that founded the republic must continue to guide the nation

A Legacy Worth Preserving

As the sun set on Fort-Liberté, the echoes of drums and the sight of the Haitian flag waving proudly reminded attendees of the sacrifices that shaped their nation. The city’s annual commemoration serves not only as a celebration of Haiti’s independence but also as a reminder of the enduring spirit of its people.

For residents like Judson Michel, a teacher, the event is a source of immense pride. “In 1987, my history teacher taught us about the significant role Fort-Liberté played in history. Our city is rich in both historical and tourist attractions,” Michel said. “As a citizen, you cannot help but feel proud of this city, the city of freedom.”

Fort-Liberté’s role in Haiti’s independence may not yet be widely recognized, but its annual celebration is a testament to the city’s enduring legacy as the birthplace of freedom. As Bishop Alphonse eloquently put it: “The history written here reminds us that freedom was not given but earned. It’s up to us to honor that legacy every day.”

The post Honoring freedom where it began: Fort-Liberté’s annual commemoration of Haiti’s independence appeared first on The Haitian Times.

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Honoring freedom where it began: Fort-Liberté’s annual commemoration of Haiti’s independence was first posted on December 2, 2024 at 4:50 pm.