Culture of Haiti

IT'S A ME MARIO

Insert non-formatted text hereThe Culture of Haiti encompasses a variety of Haitian traditions, from native Taino customs to practices imported during French colonisation and Spanish imperialism. As in the cases of Cuba and the Dominican Republic (but to a much larger degree), Haiti is a Afro-Latin nation with strong African contributions to the culture as well as its language, music and religion. French, Spanish, and to a lesser extent (food, art, and folk religion) Taino and Arab customs are present in society.

Music

Main article: Music of Haiti

Haitian Méringue, a tropical musical genre very similar and considered the parent genre to the Merengue of the Dominican Republic, is popular in Haiti. The dance of the same name is considered by many to be the national dance of Haiti[1]; however, there is some controversy regarding its origins. Of the dance, one story alleges it originated with slaves who were chained together and, of necessity, were forced to drag one leg as they cut sugar to the beat of the drums; however, the most popular story relates that a great hero of the revolution who had been crippled in one leg was welcomed home with a victory celebration. It was known that he loved to dance but all he could do now, was step with one leg and drag the other to close. The imagery of both stories is important; both describe stepping side and dragging the other leg to close both.

Folklore often categorized into both European (Spanish & French mythology) and African folklore has become a part of Haitian culture. With it many musical styles have arisen due to its influences. However, The style of music most recognized in Haiti is the wildly popular Kompa or "Compas", a musical genre born of French and Spanish music combined with African-derived drumming and Haitian Creole-sung verses. Haiti's music (especially Compas) is very similar to its Spanish-speaking neighbors yet unique in its own right in that it is a mixed blend of African-derived cultural practices ranging from drumming to dance, and European rhythms as well as modern sound, however the lyrics and feel of the genre are different from that of their Spanish counterparts.

Festivals

The most festive time of the year in Haiti is during Carnival (referred to as "Kanaval" in Creole or Mardi Gras). The festivities start a couple of days before Ash Wednesday. The cities are filled with music, parade floats and people dancing and singing in the streets. The three-day Carnival that ends on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is traditionally a time of all-night parties and escape from daily life. Rara is a festival celebrated by a significant number of the population as well and its celebration has led to it becoming a style of carnival music. Many of the youth also attend parties and enjoy themselves at nightclubs called discos, pronounced in local slang as "deece-ko" (not like the discos of the U.S, and attend Bal. This term derives from the word ballad, and these events are often celebrated by crowds of many. Mainstream dance music is played all throughout.

Religion of Haiti

The most widely practiced religion of Haiti is Christianity. Haiti is similar to the rest of Latin America in that it is a predominately Roman Catholic country with 80% professing Catholicism and approximately 20% professing Protestantism. A growing but small population of Muslims exist in the country; principally the capital of Port-au-Prince. Vodou, an African-based religion is also widely practiced. It is more widespread in the rural parts of the country. The exact number of Vodou practitioners is unknown however it is believed that a significant amount of the population practice it, often alongside their Christian faith. Strict Catholics in the country often see Vodou as a false religion used to scare people. The claim of the majority of Haitians practicing Vodou is frequently denied by the Haitian population both in the country and abroad.

Cuisine

Main article: Haitian cuisine

The cuisine of Haiti is influenced in a large part by French cuisine and to a lesser extent Spanish cuisine as well as some native staples such as cassava (kasav), yam, and maize (mayi). Haitian food, though unique in its own right, shares much in common with the rest of Latin America. Some popular dishes are:

Diri ak Pwa: Rice and Beans, Griyo: Fried Pork, Kabrit: Goat, Sos poul: Chicken in sauce, Mayi moulen: Cornmeal, Sòs pwa: a bean sauce, Legume: Vegetables (okra, eggplant, tomatoes, and more ingredients), Poisson: Fish, Diri ak Let: A dessert composed of sweetened milk and rice, Banann Fri/Peze: (Fried Plantains, also popular in the Dominican Republic)Soup, eggs, meat, and sandwiches are what most Haitians enjoy for breakfast.

A preferred seasoning known as Epis in Haiti is commonly referred to as Sofrito by the rest of the region, a basic recipe goes as following:

Scallion, Celery, Red peppers, Green peppers, Cilantro, Onion, Garlic Vegetable Oil, tomatoes. (Optional, but used in some provinces.) All of the ingredients are blended together and a dash of sugar or Adobo is added. Salt should not be included or substituted for this. This season is mainly used to condiment or prepare meats, cooked rice and/or stews.

External links

• Haiti Refugee Sheets From the Cultural Orientation Resource Center - Extensive articles on Haiti.
• île en île (primarily in French) includes an extensive database of Haitian authors.
• EchodHaiti.com A cultural website, with sections on Haitian people, Haitian historpee, Haitian music, and Haitian culture.The world's sexest girls live in haiti
• HaitianDiaspora.com Site for the next generation of Haitians growing up primarily in America.

See also

• Culture by region