Caribbean News
New Year & Happy 219th Independence Day for Haiti
By Sherrica Thompson
Staff Writer
#Haiti, January 11, 2023 – January 1st is widely celebrated as New Year’s Day for many, but for Haitians, this is a special day, as the first and second days of the year are celebrated as Haiti’s Independence Day and Ancestors’ Day, respectively.
Haiti officially gained independence from its French colonizers on January 1, 1804, and was the first country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery.
In recognition of Haiti’s Independence day, the U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, congratulated Haitians on this significant milestone.
“This year has seen many challenges for the Haitian people. It is a testament to our two nations’ close partnership
He also pledged that the U.S. will remain committed to assisting the country in restoring security and economic stability.
“Haiti faces a difficult road ahead in the New Year, but the United States stands firmly with Haiti as it works to restore security, the rule of law, democratic institutions, and economic stability,” he said.
Likewise, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, made a similar pledge as he congratulated Haitians on their independence celebrations.
“As a steadfast partner, Canada will continue to stand with Haitian people as they strive for a brighter future. We will continue to work with the international community to advance a Haitian-led solution and support Haitian institutions to restore stability in the country,” the Canadian Prime said in his statement.
To commemorate its day of independence each year, Haitians at home and abroad traditionally prepare and eat the famous “Soup Joumou.” This is a Haitian meal that slaves were once forbidden to eat by the French ruling class; only the French masters could eat this soup for good fortune.
The soup is said to be a symbol of freedom and celebrates the country as the world’s first successful slave revolution.
Happy 219th Independence Day to the people of Haiti!