Jacmel marks 33 years of National Carnival with a spectacular showcase of top-tier performances, music, and dance talent

JACMEL, HAITI — Jacmel’s 33rd annual carnival drew thousands to the southeastern coastal city on Sunday, Feb. 23, under the theme “Jacmel Debout,” or “Jacmel Standing Tall.” The celebration, marked by vibrant dance troupes and Vodou performances, embodied resilience amid the country’s ongoing challenges.

“We must rise up to fight insecurity, unemployment, and the high cost of living to build a better Haiti,” said Jacmel’s deputy mayor, Benissoit Jean Pierre, addressing the crowd. Speaking at an official ceremony at the Minister of Culture and Communication’s office, Jean Pierre also paid tribute to key figures of the city’s rich cultural legacy, including poet and historian Michelet Divers and former mayor Michael Craan, known as “Manman Jacmel” for her efforts in promoting the city’s arts and tourism.

The ceremony was attended by national and local carnival committee members, representatives of the Vodou sector, and officials such as Secretary of State for Communication Bendgy Tilias. As the festivities unfolded, the streets of Jacmel came alive with music, dance, and elaborate costumes, reinforcing the city’s reputation as Haiti’s cultural heart.

Carnival goers holding their “tchatcha” or maracas danced to the tune of a street band or “ band a pied” following the carnival queen We-Berline Marcelin at the parade on February 23, 2025. Photos by Danise Davide Lejustal for The Haitian Times 

A parade of color and culture

By 2:00 PM, Rue du Commerce has transformed into an open-air stage. Union Band from Ecole Dessaix Baptiste musical school led the parade, followed by the officials, the carnival king and queen and representatives of various walks of life, including the notable Vodou community.

Dance troupes Asotor, Paj d’Art, Bel Étoile and Mazmotte electrified the route up to the official grandstand while traditional masked groups and striking imaginary masks drew awe from the crowd. A choreography directed by Daphnis Brusma and an allegorical float designed by architect Yves Kersaint were among the highlights of the festivities.

Thirteen street bands, commonly called “bann a pye” in Creole, including Dolphins, Fresh Up, Bel Plezir and Fresh Style Band, kept the city’s energy high into the evening.

As the sun set, the celebration ended on a high note with an electrifying performance by the group 2D, whose meringue “Bagay la Rèd,” resonated with the crowd, blending festivities with the underlying struggles of the moment.

Call for better organization and sustainable funding as vendors struggle with slow sales

Amid the celebration, calls for better organization and sustainable funding echoed through the carnival. The Carnival Commission advocated for a more structured and transparent approach, proposing a carnival lottery with proceeds dedicated exclusively to financing future editions.

While revelers enjoyed the spectacle, logistical shortcomings became evident.

“The crowd didn’t allow dancers and masqueraders to parade properly,” said Aladin Vandagula, a member of the group Team Patnè, in an interview with The Haitian Times. “I also noticed the absence of local authorities, as if the carnival had been left on its own.”

For many vendors along Avenue Barranquilla, the main parade route, the carnival is an economic lifeline. But this year, some expressed disappointment over weak sales.

“I’m not making good sales, unlike what I expected. I don’t have many buyers this year, maybe because they don’t have enough money,” said one vendor, dancing in front of her stall to attract customers.

Despite these concerns, Jacmel—Haiti’s cultural capital—once again proved that in Haiti, culture is not just a celebration, but an act of resistance.

A display of photos offering a glimpse into the day’s celebration including the giant papier-mâché masterpieces: A closer look at the towering, artistically crafted masks that define Jacmel’s unique carnival tradition.

Elegant dance troupes in motion: Capturing the elegance and precision of choreographed performances that lit up the parade.

Photo courtesy of the carnival official committee

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