1. Haiti is a country in the Caribbean. It is part of Hispaniola,
a small island in the Greater Antillean Archipelago, shared with the Dominican
Republic. The motto of Haiti is “L’union fait la force” (“Union makes
Strength”) Learn the capital and what the flag looks like. The Capital
City of Haiti is Port-au-Prince. Haiti’s flag is red and blue striped
with the Haitian coat of arms in the middle.
2. In Haiti there are two main languages. French is the
main language that is written and used in schools, businesses, ceremonies
and generally all aspects of life. However, Haitian Creole is also spoken
by almost all Haitians. It is closely related to the French language and
is influenced by African languages. Choose a language to learn how to
speak a phrase or some words.
3. In Haiti, the cuisine derives from both French and African
cuisines. It also is similar to that of Latin-Caribbean type foods as
well. Popular food items include dishes with beans, fish, chicken, and
other spicy foods. They also have a variety of fruit markets. Try some
foods from Haiti or make a recipe from Haiti.
4. Many people in Haiti practice Voodoo rituals and festivals.
One of the popular festivals that takes place in Haiti every year is Mardi
Gras. Mardi Gras is the end of the 4 day celebration of Carnival. It is
a fun and colorful celebration where the streets are filled with parade
floats, people in wild costumes, and a lot of loud and lively music. Haiti
has a lot of other fun and colorful celebrations. Visit a cultural celebration
or re-creation of a holiday event OR learn the background of the celebrated
holiday or festival. You may also create a drawing or art project, or
prepare a food.
5. In Haiti, dance is a vital part of the activities that
surround Haitian life. There are dances for all ceremonial events, secular
or religious. Haitians view dance as a positive statement of life that
creates forces within oneself and within the spirit world. Watch a dance
or learn more information about a dance and try your own moves. Examples:
Ibo, Nagi, Mayi, and Parigol.
6. In Haiti, Voodoo is a powerful influence on the people
that reside there. Their legends are filled with gods and goddesses of
the voodoo belief system. Voodoo is not like what is seen in Hollywood
movies, but very spiritual and is taken seriously in Haiti. The stories
are sometimes about people, animals or spirits. Read a story, legend,
OR listen to a legend or play.
7. The “tap-tap” truck is the common type of transportation
found in Haiti. Learn more about “tap-tap” truck, decorate or create a
paper truck, OR play a game using a “tap-tap” truck theme.
8. Haiti is part of Hispaniola. Hispaniola is a major island
in the Caribbean and also contains the Dominican Republic. The climate
of Hispaniola is hot and humid and tropical. The land is mostly covered
by forests and mountains. A major problem in both Haiti and The Dominican
Republic is deforestation, however especially in Haiti. Learn more about
the problems of deforestation and learn about ways it is destructing the
environment, and how it can be suppressed OR create a community service
project that assists the environment. Deforestation– Cutting down of trees
in large quantities.
9. Haitian handicrafts are handmade and often very colorful.
An example is called drapo art. It is very colorful and detailed with
sequins and patterns. Create a craft or project using a traditional a
skill OR representing Haiti, OR observe someone creating a handicraft
OR view them on the internet or books.
10. In Haiti, the clothing is generally loose fitting, and
light weight because of the heat. The ceremonial clothing for both men
and women are colorful and bright and are made out of cotton. Draw a picture
of the clothing, dress up in a Haiti themed costumes, create an accessory
or complete our paper dolls OR view traditional clothing through books
or the internet.
11. There are a variety of games played in Haiti. Learn
a traditional game OR play a game that symbolizes Haiti OR play a water
game.
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