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Culture:
Haiti
has a very prosperous culture because it is mixed with French, African, Spanish and the Taino elements. Since the island of Hispaniola
was inhabited by many ethnic groups, its culture and beliefs has been merged together. Even thought Haiti has been the homes of many different ethnic groups, African and Europeans
are the two cultures that are dominant. Three things Haiti is know for is its distinctive art, sculptures and notably paintings.
Religion:
The official religion of Haiti
is Roman Catholicism. About 80 to 85% of the citizens practice that religion. There is about various protestant churches in
Haiti and about 15-10% of the population
follows it philosophy. The Voodoo wish is an Afro-diasporic religion that came on the island with the African slaves, it practiced
by a large number of people that live mostly in poor areas. The voodoo religion has some things in common with the Espritismo
of Puerto Rico, Brazilian Candomble, and the Cuban Santeria. Those who practice voodoo, they do so with elements of Catholicism.
Those who are strict catholic see and dismiss its practice as fake.
Voodoo
Carnival:
The carnival season of Haiti is called Mardi Gras or Carnaval in French and in Haitian Creole, Kanaval.
Every year it occurs before Ash Wednesday meaning it starts on Sunday, and it ends on Tuesday. Carnival doesn’t only
occur in Port- au-Prince, it also happens in other regions of Haiti. A very popular carnival in Haiti
after port-au-prince is Jacmel. The carnival of Jacmel is
known for the cultural costumes and masks. The carnival of port-au-prince
is a large carnival. It is a national parade and every year thousands of people attend. It has vivid and colorful floats that
are sponsored by some business and they are hosted by the countries popular musicians. This is one of the celebrations that
which people from abroad meaning the Diaspora and foreigners attend.
Carnaval at Jacmel
Music:
The most popular music style of Haiti
is compas. It is a lively music and it is danced almost like the Cuban but it has a recollection of jazz. In compas, you will
find African drumming, modern guitars, and song lyrics in Haitian Creole, saxophones and synthesized sounds. Even the Merengue
which is from our neighbors is popular in Haiti.
Many Haitians thinks that if comes from an alternate
Haitian Meringue wish is a sounding styles that is similar. Two other popular genres found in Haiti are rasin and Kadans. Then other popular styles are zouk, is like the compas
but it comes from the French Antilles, salsa music and soca. (Go to videos to hear and see some Haitian compas…. music
videos)
Haiti Cuisine:
Haitian Cuisine has been predisposed by both the methods of French and African cuisine. Also, it includes the local
environment one which was the Taino’s cuisine for example cassava (kasav), maize (mayi) and yam. Haitian food has its
own exceptional characteristic that is shared with other cooking of the Caribbean. The food
tends to be a little bit spicy and it has many different way of making rice ad beans wish is the “de facto” national plate.
Haitian Food
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