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Port-au-Prince, February 18, 2025 (Haiti Wire) – Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) has officially announced the cancellation of the 2025 National Carnival, originally set to take place in Fort-Liberté. The decision, conveyed through a statement from the Presidency, was made in response to escalating security threats across the country.
The annual event, a cornerstone of Haitian cultural identity, had been in preparation for months. However, mounting concerns from citizens, expressed through media outlets and public forums, prompted the government to reconsider. To mitigate risks, the CPT opted to call off the large-scale national celebration while granting approval for local and regional festivities to proceed.
Despite the cancellation, officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Haiti’s cultural sector. They emphasized the importance of fostering artistic expression and preserving national heritage, even in challenging times.
The budget for the 2025 carnival was estimated at 300 million gourdes, with a significant portion already allocated for the Fort-Liberté event. Given the cancellation, Finance Minister Alfred Metelus is expected to provide further details on the reallocation of these funds, particularly concerning unused portions of the budget.
While the decision has been met with disappointment, it highlights the difficult security situation in Haiti. The CPT’s priority remains the safety of citizens, and this move reflects the broader struggle to maintain public order in the face of rising instability.
