Haiti: Freedom and Creativity from the Mountains to the Sea marks the 200th anniversary of Haiti's independence. The first nation to free itself from both colonialism and slavery at the same time, Haiti today stands at another momentous crossroads. The Festival highlights the geographic diversity of the land and recognizes the cultural creativity that continues to sustain the Haitian people in the face of tremendous political and economic challenges.
Demonstrations and workshops by artisans will reflect the variation in occupational, craft, and architectural traditions in Haiti—from the pottery of the highlands to boat-building and net-making along the coastline. Rara musicians and Carnival masqueraders will perform songs expressing the ongoing passion for liberty at the heart of Haitian culture. Festival visitors will experience the music traditions of twoubadou, konpa, mizik rasin, and the ritual drumming and dance of Voudou. They may sample Haitian traditional cuisine and shop at a Haitian market. In addition, discussions, displays, and oral history stations will focus on the cultural life of Haitian communities in North America.
