Haitian Culture
The most common phrase in Haiti might surprise you. It’s 'pa gen pwoblem,' and it translates to 'no have problem.' Haitians use it in a dizzying array of contexts: responding to thank-yous, asserting well-being, filling awkward silences. Despite Haiti’s well-documented struggles, exacerbated lately by natural disasters, proud Haitians use the phrase sincerely, conveying an uncanny ability to live in the moment and appreciate what they do have, which is quite a lot.
Tranquil beaches, tumbling waterfalls and pine-tree-capped mountains dot the varied and striking landscape, easily rivaling the natural beauty found anywhere else in the Caribbean. The world’s only successful slave rebellion happened here, and the music, art and culture that came with it make Haiti entirely unique. As those who come to assist Haiti often learn, an encounter with the soul of this fascinating, beautiful country often benefits a traveler far more than one could ever hope to help it.
Haitian Cuisine
Haitian food is often lumped together with other Caribbean islands as "Caribbean cuisine." However, Haiti maintains an independently unique flavor.
Unlike its Spanish-influenced counterpart, the Dominican Republic, Haitian cuisine is based on Creole and French cooking styles. Strong pepper flavoring in many dishes also sets Haitian food apart from the other islands.
Jacmel
Sheltered by a beautiful 3km-wide bay, the old port of Jacmel is one of the most friendly and tranquil towns in Haiti, and host to one of its best Carnivals.
Part of Jacmel’s charm lies in its old town center, full of mansions and merchants’ warehouses with a late-Victorian grace poking out from behind the wrought-iron balconies and peeling facades. Although some of Jacmel's historic buildings were damaged in the earthquake, the town has received a facelift in recent years, including the installation of innumerable urban mosaics, the most impressive of which are displayed along the new, kilometer-long beachfront boardwalk, Promenade du Bord de Mer, which buzzes with activity day and night.
Haitian Nightlife
Haiti may be a spot where travelers go to enjoy fun in the sun, but that doesn’t mean that the fun dies down when the sun sets. In terms of places to drink, which is what many travelers enjoy doing when they are on vacation, the best choice is the Barbancourt Rum Distillery. Visitors can get some local history while touring the distillery and drinking the rum.
Local nightlife in Haiti is centered on that which is offered by the local hotels. Many hotels offer nightly entertainment and almost all of the hotels offer something on the weekends. Many try to offer local dance and music to allow visitors to get the flavor of the local culture but there are plenty of other types of entertainment going on as well.
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Haitian Music
A simple stroll down any street in Haiti will fill your ears with music. Hip Hop songs blast from passing cars, spiritual hymns echo from churches, harmonic choruses ring from the vocal chords of Haitians tending to laundry, and melodies of all kinds are recited by joyful dancing children. Music is a part of everyday life in Haiti.
Haitian music is vibrant, danceable, and most often religious or politically charged. Because of the country’s location in the Caribbean as well as the rich history of the isle of Hispaniola, Haiti’s music has French, African, native Taino, and even Spanish influences. Though the styles, melodies and tastes of the Haitian listeners have changed throughout the years, the vibrant spirit of music is embedded into the country.