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Intriguing Country of Mountainous Landscapes
Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Haiti is definitely an original place thanks to its unique history. Its charm is still and always enhanced by luxuriant tropical vegetation, coral reefs visited by thousands of colourful fish, waterfalls, caves, pits and many more treasures to discover!
Overview
The island, discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, was colonized by the Spanish who were searching for precious metals. In 1697, the French settled in the western part of Hispaniola, which they named Saint-Domingue. They then took away labourers from Africa, whom they needed to cultivate the sugar cane, coffee and cotton that was to be sent to wealthy Paris.
Black slaves revolted in 1791 and, under the leadership of Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Henri Christophe and Alexandre Pétion, started a war that ended in 1804 with a declaration of independence. Saint-Domingue then reverted to its original name, Haiti, and became the second independent country and oldest republic of the New World after the United States, and the first black republic in the world.
Two hundred years later, tourism is very slowly developing in Haiti, as the last few years have been marred by unprecedented social and political turmoil. Although the republic celebrated the bicentennial of its creation in 2004, it is not unusual to see deserted beaches and nearly empty or even closed hotels. In fact, the only visitors in Haiti are mostly members of the international community, business travellers and Haitians living abroad. However, cruise tourism is still somewhat prosperous thanks to the Labadie terminal, near Cap-Haïtien, which still welcomes about 10,000 visitors each month and neighbours Coco Beach, one of the main Caribbean resorts, which itself welcomes 4,000 visitors per week.
Despite everything, Haiti has many great discoveries to offer those who thrive on exploration-style trips. And the countrys people, even though living in poverty, will almost always welcome them with a smile.
In 1954, for the 150th anniversary of independence, statues of the four heroes of independence, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Henri Christophe, Toussaint Louverture and Alexandre Pétion, were erected in Port-au-Prince at Place du Champ de Mars (facing the Palais National).
Attractions
The Maison Defly, in Port-au-Prince, is a beautiful example of traditional gingerbread architecture. Today, it is home to the Université épiscopale.
Pétionville is located above Port-au-Prince and features several art galleries, excellent restaurants, high-quality hotels and art shops. Geologically speaking, this ancient site goes back to the early days of the tertiary era. More recently, the Tainos lived here in isolation, as demonstrated by the objects found at this site.
For an Eden-like experience, visit Île à Vaches, which, in addition to its natural beauty, will interest travellers with a passion for archaeological vestiges and treasure hunts. Indeed, many ships sank here because of reefs in the north-eastern part of the island, and five Spanish galleons filled with gold are said to still be in the area.
Bassin Bleu is located north of Jacmel. Here, a mountain river flows in steps into three basins.
Milot is where you will find Palais de Sans-Souci. The two bronze lions that once sat at its entrance are now located in front of the Port-au-Prince courthouse. By entering on the left side, you will reach the quarters of King Christophe and, to the right, the tree where he dealt out his justice.
The Citadelle Henri, near Milot, is also called Citadelle Christophe after the king who ordered its construction, and Citadelle La Ferrière after the peak on which it is built.
The 2-km-long beach that stretches in Pointe Ouest is an ideal spot for swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing on white sand surrounding an emerald-coloured sea.
Saut-dEau is a waterfall located near Ville Bonheur, west of Mirebalais, where each year, loads of pilgrims head to purify their soul. There, they celebrate Ezili, also called Erzulie, the goddess of sensuality and love.
Hinche deserves to be visited for its caves and the Bassin Zim. With a height of 30m, the Zim fall flows right into a deep, dazzlingly blue basin that is great for a swim amidst lush tropical greenery. In the caves, you can observe unusual pictograms said to have been drawn by the indigenous peoples inhabiting the island before the Spanish arrived. Others are proof of their African origins.
Going Out
The Carnaval, which lasts three days before Mardi Gras, is a most colourful event in Jacmel and a music and dance-filled one in Port-au-Prince. Several celebrations take place at Easter, such as the Fête de la Mer in Pestel. In every town, rara processions (voodoo) begin during Lent. The country celebrations known as Fêtes patronales coincide with voodoo celebrations; the most well-known take place in Saut-dEau, in the heart of the country, on July 16, in Plaine du Nord on July 24 and in Limonade on July 25.
Where on earth
The indigenous peoples who lived on the island of Hispaniola (or Haiti) were known as the Tainos and the Caribs. The republic of Haiti covers the western third of the island, while the Dominican Republic takes up the other two thirds. Several islands are also part of the country, the major ones being Île de la Gonâve and Île de la Tortue. Located in the low subtropical region at 18° to 20° northern latitude, Haiti benefits from a tropical and maritime climate influenced by north-eastern winds. Because of its irregular topography, the country features a wide variety of microclimates determined by altitude.
