Revolutionary Roots
The year Haiti officially declared its independence from France, becoming the world's first free Black republic.
What is 1804?
This capital city, located on the Gulf of Gonâve, is Haiti's political and economic hub.
What is Port-au-Prince?
While French is used in formal settings, this language is natively spoken by virtually the entire Haitian population.
What is Haitian Creole (or Kreyòl)?
He was the brilliant military leader and general known as the "Black Napoleon" who led the early stages of the Haitian Revolution.
Who is Toussaint Louverture?
Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with this nation to its east.
What is the Dominican Republic?
This pumpkin-based soup is traditionally eaten on January 1st to celebrate Independence Day and the end of slavery.
What is Soup Joumou?
This is the name of the historic Voodoo ceremony in August 1791 that acts as the traditional starting point of the Haitian Revolution.
What is the Bois Caïman ceremony?
King Henri Christophe built this massive mountaintop fortress, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, to defend against a French return.
What is the Citadelle Laferrière?
This bright, metalwork art style originated in the mid-20th century in the village of Croix-des-Bouquets, using recycled oil drums.
What is Haitian steel drum art (or metal sculpture)?
This general became Haiti's first ruler after independence and officially renamed the country from Saint-Domingue to Haiti.
Who is Jean-Jacques Dessalines?
Located near the town of Milot, this is the ruined royal palace of King Henri Christophe, often called the "Versailles of the Caribbean."
What is Sans-Souci Palace?
This energetic genre of Haitian popular dance music, pioneered by
What is Compas (or Kompa)?
The indigenous Taíno name for the island, which means "land of high mountains" and gave the country its modern name.
What is Ayiti?
Meaning "Cows Island" in French, this beautiful, quiet island lies off the southern coast of Haiti near Les Cayes.
What is Île-à-Vache?
The basic unit of Haitian currency, which is historically tied to a "shadow" currency called the Haitian Dollar.
What is the gourde?