There’s a magic in Haiti that lingers in the heart long after the sun sets behind the mountains. It’s a magic that whispers through the rustling coconut palms and dances on the laughter of children playing in the moonlight. For many, these memories are treasures tucked away, waiting to be unearthed. Let’s take a journey back to the Haiti of our childhoods—a place alive with vibrant colors, rich traditions, and stories that only home can tell.
The Lantern-lit Evenings
Do you remember the nights when the power would go out, and the whole neighborhood seemed to come alive under the soft glow of kerosene lanterns? Those evenings were anything but quiet. Families gathered on porches, recounting old folktales that made us laugh until our bellies hurt or shiver at the mention of Lougarou. The elders’ voices carried wisdom and humor, painting pictures of a Haiti where courage and wit always triumphed.
Mornings with the Sunrise Vendors
The day often began with the cries of vendors: “Pen cho! Pen cho!” echoing through the streets. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the salty breeze from the ocean, and we would rush out, coins in hand, eager to snag a loaf still warm from the fire. Those mornings were sweetened further by the melody of everyday life—children’s chatter, roosters crowing, and the rhythmic pounding of mortar and pestle as manje midi began to take shape.
Sunday Church and Mango Feasts
Sundays were sacred, not just for the prayers and hymns that filled the air, but for the sense of community they fostered. We’d dress in our finest, squeezing into pews, our hearts swelling with the sound of the choir. Afterward, it was mango season every Sunday. Climbing trees barefoot, feeling the sun kiss our faces, and tasting the golden fruit straight from the branch—life didn’t get better than that.
Carnivals and Homemade Masks
And who could forget Carnival? The thrill of designing our own masks from cardboard and paint, parading through the streets as drums thundered and konpa rhythms lifted our spirits. It wasn’t about the grandeur; it was about the shared joy, the dance steps learned from older siblings, and the colors that seemed to come alive under the Caribbean sun.
Haiti, A Timeless Treasure
Even now, as we navigate lives away from those sun-drenched shores, Haiti remains with us. It lives in the smell of bouyon on a rainy day, the rhythm of a rara band echoing in our ears, and the memories that refuse to fade.
As you read this, close your eyes and let the stories carry you home. Relive the joy, the wonder, the unbreakable spirit that is Haiti. And when you’ve smiled, laughed, or even shed a tear, come back for more.
Your Turn to Share
We’d love to hear from you! What’s your favorite childhood memory of Haiti? Was it the taste of fresh sugarcane, the sound of distant drums, or the joy of playing marbles with friends in the dusty streets? Share
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