Although Haiti
was the first Island Nation in the Caribbean to obtain
independence from European Colonialist, locals have
preserved elements of French culture alongside many
Aboriginal and African traditions reflecting Haiti’s
historic past
The Creole language is a melodic blend of this past with English, French and African
tongues spoken in regional dialects.
The aromas and local cuisine also captures the past through blends of spices and
international sauces toping fresh produce, seafood’s and meats prepared with special
care.
Each year art, culture, and music is celebrated during Carnival and other traditional
Holidays like Haitian Flag Day, Birth of Toussaint L'Overture, and Independence
Day, even Mother’s Day receives a festival celebration in Haiti as well.
Haitians have many occasions to celebrate their culture through art and music.
ART
Nothing expresses the spirit of the Haitian people more than her art and music.
Haitian Art has become very popular throughout the Americas and the Caribbean for
its bright colors and pictorials of daily life in the tropics. From market scenes,
to vivid portraits of seaside ports and people, Haitian Art celebrates the hearty
and carefree joys of living or “joie de vi•vre”
Cap Lamandou Hotel is decorated with Haitian Art. To support local artisans, our
guests are invited to exhibits that feature local artists.
MUSIC
The rythm of music is the heart of a people, and Haitian music is steep in the heart
of its traditions. It has been cited as having three main catergorizes: Vodou-Jazz,
Kompa, and most recently urban hip hop (rap) and sometime a fourth “Reggae”.
Vodou-jazz is segmented into either Rara or
Mizik Rasin.Rara reflects the traditions of Vodou Priest with Jazz
infusion, and Mizik Rasin reflects the movements of the seventies with social conscious
lyrics and rock to reggae rhythms.
Kompa is a unique blend of French and European ball music shadowed
by African musical traditions and instruments.
Guests and vistors to the Island note the instrumental similarities heard in Hatian
music to that of Cylpso and Salsa heard throughout the Caribbean and made famous
by its Latin neighbors like the Domincan Republic, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.
Haitian Music however is as distinct as it’s people, whose rhythm it captures
from the heart.
Cap Lamandou Hotel hosts a variety of musical entertainers at our lounge for guest
to enjoy.
