Christmas and New Year in Haiti

Adrianna Sosa, project coordinator for Horyzon’s project in Haiti, visited Horyzon in early December. She was struck by the many lights and decorations of the Advent season in Switzerland, so the Horyzon team was curious to hear how Christmas is celebrated in her country. "People in Haiti love to celebrate, even though many can’t afford extra expenses," Adrianna explained. Still, most families will put up a garland or a string of lights, and everyone tries to get into the holiday spirit. The festivities on December 24 and 25 are spent with family and friends: people dance together, play games, and share stories.

For the girls and young women at the Horyzon Youth Center, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds, there’s a small Christmas celebration held before the holidays. Throughout Advent, the participants make Christmas decorations together and prepare something small to perform at the celebration, such as a song, poem, or play. On the last day before the holidays, all participants, staff, and volunteers come together to celebrate and enjoy these performances. Before heading home for the holiday break, each girl receives a box with basic staples like rice and beans, so they’re provided for until the Youth Center reopens in the New Year.

In addition to Christmas, Haitians celebrate New Year’s Day in a big way. Adrianna added, "The 1st of January is an even bigger celebration than Christmas because, aside from being New Year’s Day, it’s also Haiti’s official Independence Day." Traditionally, a special pumpkin soup called Soup Joumou is served. Introduced by the French colonialists, it is now prepared in Haiti with pride as a symbol of independence. The soup is made with vegetables, pasta, spices, and a bit of meat. It’s eaten as the first meal of the New Year and enjoyed throughout the day, starting with breakfast.