Five things you probably didn’t know about Haiti
Lately, it seems the only things people seem to know about Haiti are negative. We want to help change that perspective. Haiti is a beautiful country despite its current situation. Keep reading if you want to learn beautiful and powerful facts about Haiti.
Did you know Haiti is home to the largest mountaintop fortress in the Western Hemisphere?
Haiti is home to the largest mountaintop fortress in the Western Hemisphere – the Citadelle Laferriere.
The Citadelle Laferriere was built in the 19th century to protect the newly independent nation.
You can read more about La Citadelle at Visit Haiti, but a few facts that stand out to us and represent the impressive structure include:
- It stands 3,000 feet above sea level
- The views include mountains filled with jungle, winding rivers, and the majestic Caribbean Sea
- The structure was built for security and has enough room to house the royal family and up to 5,000 people, with provisions for everyone for a year!
Keep reading to learn more lesser-known facts about Haiti.
Do you know how Haitian’s celebrate their Independence Day?
January 1st is Independence Day in Haiti, celebrating a successful slave rebellion against the French.
To celebrate this victorious historical moment, they feast on Soup Joumou, a pumpkin soup. During slavery, the French forbade Haitians from eating this delicacy, so now they enjoy the soup every year as a sort of rebellion and reminder that they won.
Learn more about the events that led to Haiti’s independence, and how to make this annual delicacy over at Haitian Independent.
Want to learn more lesser-known facts about Haiti? Follow our blog.
Do you know which country is the only one that gained independence because of a successful slave rebellion?
Haiti is the only country that can claim this success. In 1804, Haiti became the first Black-led republic and the only country to gain independence through a successful slave rebellion. Now you know just one reason why Haitians are proud to be Haitian!
Read Visit Haiti’s article about Gonaïves, known as the city of independence in Haiti. You’ll learn about the city, how it’s preserved this historical event, and what it means to Haitians.
Want to learn more lesser-known facts about Haiti? Follow our blog and connect with us on IG if you aren’t already.
Did you know Haiti is home to unique and endemic wildlife?
Haiti is part of the island of Hispaniola (the other part is the Dominican Republic) and is home to diverse wildlife. This includes two notable animals: the Hispaniola Solendon and the Rhinoceros Iguana.
The Haitian Development Network calls Haiti’s wildlife “the hidden workforce” because it is keeping the environment running:
- Natural reforesters
- Pest controllers
- Soil architects
- Keystone Indicators
Visit Haitian Development Network to learn more about the unique jobs of Haiti’s ecosystem.
Want to learn more about Haiti? Follow our blog or connect with us on IG if you aren’t already.
Do you know where the largest cave system in the Caribbean is located?
Haiti is once again home to another marvelous work of God – the Marie Jeanne Cave. This Cave stretches across massive underground labyrinths.
Haiti’s Wonderland describes these caves,
“Few people know that Haiti, often celebrated for its beaches and rich history, is also home to the largest cave system in the Caribbean. These underground formations, scattered across the country, are natural and cultural treasures that bear witness to millions of years of geological evolution and human interactions. Let’s dive into this fascinating universe together.”
Visit their website to learn more about the underground network and how it’s a natural and cultural wealth that is unique to Haiti.
Want to learn more about Haiti? Follow our blog and get connected with us on IG if you aren’t already.
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