PORT-DE-PAIX —Artisans, food producers, and craft exhibitors from across Haiti’s northwest region gathered for the annual agro-artisanal fair in Port-de-Paix, held during the annual feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrated across Haïti on December 8th. The event brought to life a vibrant celebration of Haitian culture, showcasing a colorful array of traditional products, crafts, and culinary specialties.
Despite heavy rains, flooding and mounting security concerns, participants exhibited a rich variety of goods: cassava bread, doukounou– a steamed cornmeal delicacy, roasted corn powder known as chanchanm, creamy crémasse, freshly brewed coffee, cocoa, tropical fruits like grapes and grenadia, and handmade natural fruit syrups. Display tables overflowed with eye-catching crafts, including vividly beaded handbags and bright carabella dresses—traditional attire that added a splash of color to the gathering.
Saintélène Guicéus from Saint-Louis du Nord, a coastal city about 10 miles northeast of Port-de-Paix, at her display table alongside other artisans presenting local products, at the 16th edition of the agro-artisanal fair organized by Komite Fwa nòdwès (KFNO). The fair was organized on the occasion of the Immaculate Conception feast, celebrated annually across Haiti’s regions. Photo by Kervenson Martial/Haitian Times, December 7, 2024.
A view of Port-de-Paix, the capital city of Haïti’s northwest region on December 6, 2024. Photo by Kervenson Martial/The Haitian Times
Paintings by artist Henriclès Celestin from Cap-Haïtien are exhibited at the Rendez-vous Club on December 7, 2024 during the 16th edition of the agro-artisanal and gastronomic fair organized by Komite Fwa Nòdwès (KFNO) on the occasion of the Immaculate Conception feast, patron saint of Port-de-Paix. Photo by Kervenson Martial/The Haitian Times.
As part of the Immaculate Conception feast, the 16th edition of the agro-artisanal fair was organized by the local organization Komite Fwa Nòdwès (KFNO) in Port-de-Paix at the Rendez-Vous Club where artisans exhibit locally made drinks, food and art products. Photo by Kervenson Martial/The Haitian Times on December 7, 2024.
Craftsman James Fortuné displayed his handmade jewelry at the 16th edition of the agro-artisanal and gastronomic fair held at the Rendez-vous Club by Komite Fwa Nòdwès (KFNO) on the occasion of the feast of the Immaculate Conception, patron saint of Port-de-Paix. Photo by Kervenson Martial/The Haitian Times on December 7, 2024.
Saintelène Guiceus, 60, a seasoned exhibitor from Saint-Louis du Nord, proudly displayed her local products, including bottled Crémas, fruit syrups and other organically grown products.
“For 14 years, I’ve been part of this fair,” she said. Standing tall despite the challenges, she lamented the impact of the rain on her sales.
“The bad weather keeps people away, but I’m here because I believe in showcasing our heritage,”
“The bad weather keeps people away, but I’m here because I believe in showcasing our heritage,” Guiceus said.
For Louissaint Louis, this year marked a departure from tradition.
“I’m the first to come to Port-de-Paix with a makak [a monkey in Creole]. It’s something new, a shift from the usual exhibits of agricultural products,” he explained, hinting at the evolving diversity of the fair.
An agro-artisanal fair organized by Komite Fwa Nòdwès (KFNO), at the Rendez-vous Club in Haïti’ northwest Port-de-Paix on the occasion of the Immaculate Conception feast celebrated annually. During the 16th edition of this year’s fair, some artisans offered local products, Roseline Germain exhibits such as Crémas, fruit-infused cocktails, grated coconut, cassava bread, and potato, liqueur, rum made from passion fruit or “grenadia,” and cocoa. Photo by Kervenson Martial/The Haitian Times, December 7, 2024.
Schoolchildren coming from different localities in the northwestern region enjoyed one of the many fun games in the local Rendez-vous Club during the 16th edition of the Agro-artisanal and gastronomic fair organized by Komite Fwa Nòdwès (KFNO) on the occasion of the Immaculate Conception feast, patron saint of Port-de-Paix on December 10, 2024. Photo via Jamesley Blanc.
The event also provided an opportunity to inspire Haiti’s next generation.
Many schools brought large numbers of young schoolchildren to attend the fair. They were amazed at the artisans’ craftsmanship and tasting local goods. Among them was Fabuana Petit, a 13-year-old Father Pierre Ridgeway College student whose excitement about the fair was palpable. “When I finish my classical studies, I want to specialize in the arts,” she said. “Our country has incredible cultural potential, and we, the youth, must preserve and promote it.”
Organizers noted the importance of such fairs in fostering resilience, creativity, and economic opportunity, even amid the country’s ongoing challenges. While the Ministry of Culture was notably absent, the artisans and exhibitors turned the event into a testament to Haiti’s enduring spirit, showcasing products, pride in tradition, and hope for the future.
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