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Haiti’s National Carnival, long regarded as a cultural cornerstone, will be held in Fort-Liberté from March 2-4, 2025. This marks the first time the northeastern town will host the event, a decision prompted by growing security concerns in Port-au-Prince. The carnival has faced interruptions since 2021 due to political instability and escalating violence.
The government announced the decision following years of scaled-back celebrations in regional towns and the capital. Fort-Liberté was chosen over Cap-Haïtien to ease logistical challenges such as traffic congestion and to capitalize on its proximity to the Dominican Republic for better accessibility and security.
The event’s motto, “Haiti Rising”, reflects this spirit of resilience. The Ministry of Culture has enlisted top musical acts, including T-Vice, Kreyol La, RAM, Boukman Eksperyans, and Tropicana d’Haiti, to headline the celebrations, contingent upon adequate security measures.
Organizers are still finalizing logistics as attention is currently focused on the upcoming visit of Colombian President Gustavo Petro on January 22. Once his visit concludes, a dedicated organizing committee will be formed to oversee the event.
Artists are already preparing for the festival. Groups like RAM and Boukman Eksperyans have begun creating new carnival songs, aligning with the Ministry of Culture’s request to incorporate contemporary themes into their music.
While many celebrate the return of the national carnival, critics argue the timing is inappropriate given Haiti’s severe security crisis. Protests last year in Port-au-Prince highlighted public frustration, with demonstrators condemning the government’s focus on festivities amid kidnappings, violence, and economic instability.
Students from the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences staged protests during previous celebrations, accusing the government of neglecting national issues. “Carnival cannot be a priority while citizens are being kidnapped, violated, and killed,” one group declared.
Despite the controversies, Fort-Liberté’s role as host presents an opportunity to revive Haiti’s cultural heritage on a national and international stage. With proper planning and security, the carnival could offer a glimpse of unity and hope for a nation eager for relief from its challenges.
