The Republic of Haiti or commonly known as Haiti, is the third largest country by area among the countries in the Caribbean. Haiti lies in the continent of North America, having its border with the Dominican Republic towards its east, while having the Caribbean Sea to its south and west along with the Atlantic Ocean towards its north.
Haiti has two official languages: French and Haitian Creole. In Haiti, 95% of the population descended from African slaves who won independence from France in 1804. Remaining 5% are of mixed descent. The country has welcoming people, rich history and fascinating culture of African, Taino and European amalgamation.
HAITI – A MOUNTAINOUS COUNTRY:
If you are fond of mountainous photography or hiking, Haiti is the perfect destination for you. An interesting thing about Haiti is that no matter which part of Haiti you are; you will find yourself either on a mountain or surrounded by a beautiful mountain view. Many people claim that the word Haiti itself means a “Mountainous Land”.
It is an ideal place for photography, film making, exploring the beauty of nature in the countryside and off course hiking too.
HAITI – A FAMOUS VETIVER AND COFFEE EXPORTING COUNTRY:
Haiti is famous all over for exporting quality coffee and Vetiver. (Vetiver is a type of fragrant grass, famous for its woody aroma. Commonly used in perfumes and cosmetics).
Haiti is famous for making quality vetiver perfumes locally and also considered as a major exporter of Vetiver to the perfume producing countries like France, Switzerland, and the United States.
THE DEEPEST CAVE IN ENTIRE CARIBBEAN:
Grotte Marie Jeanne is considered as one of the deepest caves in the entire Caribbean. This cave is situated in the south of Haiti by the city of Port-à-Piment.
Grotte Marie Jeanne is famous for its historical importance as it was once a hideout for the slaves who escaped from being arrested. Apart from that, it was a place to perform sacred rituals.
THE FORTRESS AT THE PEAK OF THE MOUNTAIN:
The beautiful fortress of Citadelle, located at the peak of the mountain Bonnet a L’Eveque, is considered as a famous tourist site.This fortress was built from 1805 to 1820 after the slave revolution of Haiti and its independence from France. This fort was deliberately made in such a way that they could stop any attacks from the French Army and to defend their newly made independent state free from slavery.
Now, The Fortress of Citadelle is considered as a symbol of Haiti’s independence and cultural heritage.
ACCORDING TO THE NATIVE CHRISTIAN FROM HAITI:
FAMOUS HAITI CUISINE:
HAITI’S FAMOUS PEANUT BUTTER:
Haiti is famous for its exclusive peanut butter. It is known as Mamba locally. Usually, it is used as a spread on bread. The exclusivity about Haiti’s peanut butter is that it is a little spicy as they mix some peppers and local spices which made it.
If you visit Haiti for the first time, Peanut butter is a must try item.
SOUP JOUMOU:
This dish is considered as a symbol of freedom for the people of Haiti. Before independence, they were forced to cultivate Squash but they were not allowed to eat it. After independence, people in Haiti ate it on 1st January 1804 as a celebration of independence.
Soup Joumou is made from marinated beef, squash purée, potatoes, vegetables along with salt and pepper.
RICE AND PEA SAUCE:
Rice and pea sauce is a famous dish in Haiti prepared from rice, peas, tomatoes, chopped garlic and onion. As a tourist, it is a highly recommended dish.
MILK POTATOES WITH MILK (PATATES AK LET):
Sweet potatoes with milk is a dish loved by almost everyone not only by the locals of Haiti but by the tourists as well. It is delicious and affordable food and energetic at the same time.
NOTE: We are thankful to the following for the research work.
https://tourismteacher.com/fun-facts-about-haiti/
https://visithaiti.com/haiti-up-close/15-fun-facts-about-haiti/
https://fultonandroark.com/blogs/news/an-even-deeper-dive-on-vetiver
https://www.foodandwine.com/soup-joumou-7096031
https://arte.laguia2000.com/arquitectura/la-citadelle-de-haiti
https://www.cavesofhaiti.org/plan-grotte-marie-jeanne-port-a-piment.html
https://www.kiva.org/blog/the-forgotten-pearl-of-the-antilles
https://peakvisor.com/adm/haiti.html
https://www.enjoytravel.com/us/travel-news/interesting-facts/interesting-facts-haiti
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Eu sempre fico grata por você ter me provocado a conhecer as características de países que eu não conheço e nunca verei. É uma forma de ampliar minha mente, meus horizontes. Sinto falta às vezes de ver as pessoas com seus trajes típicos.
Parabéns pelo seu artigo.
Claudete,
Obrigado pelas suas amáveis palavras. Fico feliz que meus escritos e artigos forneçam um conhecimento tão maravilhoso aos leitores.