Christmas in Haiti
Figure 1.-- This photo was taken at a Catholic church in southern Haiti. The children are looking at the nativity disply. They seem to be wearing school uniform pants. Perhaps they are cared for in a church orphanage.
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Christmas is one of the most popular holidays in Haiti. The country separated from France with great acrimony in the late 18th century. The French population either were killed by rebelious slaves or fled. Thus there is relatively little French influence in the holiday celebrations. The French did leave the Haitians nominal Christians. The Haitians celebrate Christmas in their own unique way with over-the-top show and revelry. Some describe Christmas as the happiest time of the year for this poor Caribbean country. There is little discussion of the issues surronding holiday celebration like we see in America. Instead the whole country seems to devotes itself to preparing for the holiday celebrations. Christmas in the West is not entirely, but largely for the kids. Thus is not the case in Haiti. The entire population, Haitians of all ages get into the Christmas spirit. The children, teenagers, adults, and even the elderly get into the Christmas spirit. The celebrations include parties, midnight suppers, concerts, family gatherings, buffets, and much more. The actual celebration begins Chritmas Eve (December 24). There seems to be less religious content in the celebrations than in most countries. Haitains on Chritmas Eve enjoy midnight suppers and concerts. Nightclubs are packed with revelers. Young people dance with abandon at these clubs throughout the country. Christmas in Haiti as in other countries is a special time for the children. Tragically many familie can not afford much in the way of presents. Various welfare organizations distribute toys to poor children.
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Created: 7:10 PM 12/24/2011
Last updated: 7:10 PM 12/24/2011