Destination Cap-Haitien, To End Your Summer Well
The poet Oswald Durand, from Cap-Haitien (or Okap), was right to sing the beauty of this city that intoxicates, which shelters within its walls the secrets of art, and carries history in its foaming waves. A unique story for this commune with three communal sections: Bande-du-Nord, Haut-du-cap and Petite-Anse. If his sons and daughters cannot neglect this story, it is because they tell themselves that the past engages too much the future. August 15, 1670 to August 15, 2019: 349 years for the legendary city, Cap-Haitien, the first establishment of the filibusters, the site of the proclamation of the general freedom of slaves (1793) and the Battle of Vertières (1803).
Cap-Haitien, final destination for all pilgrims from here and abroad, who want to venture out and taste the outlandish sophistication. Notre Dame is waiting for you. A plethora of activities will be organized to celebrate the city’s 349th anniversary, from August 9 to 16, planned in different locations. These include fairs, exhibitions, art and cultural parades, sports competitions, a Black party awaits you, not to mention, a Music Festival for fans of the fifth art.
To end your summer vacation, don’t hesitate for a moment to head to Cap-Haitien, Haiti’s second largest city. Come and beautify your existence. For your shoot, Light Motion or Juve Group would be delighted to accompany you! However, you are probably wondering in addition to the activities, what else can you do? What are other historical sites can you visit?
A majestic cathedral, built in 1670, standing with superior pinnacle, recalling the pride and glory that lies there, will welcome you. When you arrive, you may also hear the strange talk of the locals, willingly offering you hospitality. “Byenvini Okap, Lakayan m“, their way of wishing you a good stay and show their attachment to this corner of land located at 19045′ on the north latitude and at 72011‘ west longitude and 260 kilometers from Port-au-Prince ―the country’s capital. Formerly called Guarico under the Spanish, then Cap-Français, colonial city of the French possessions of the New World in 1711, later Cap-Henry under the reign of Henri Christophe before becoming Cap-Haitien.
The city is in checkerboard shape, easy to spot you. You will also take the opportunity to visit the former home of the famous Joseph Antenor Firmin, located at the street “18 I”. You have surely heard of this great figure born in Cape Haiti in 1850, anthropologist and politician, author of the famous book “The Equality of Human Races (1885).” It was a real plea for the black race, a response to Joseph Arthur de Gobineau’s essay Of the Inequality of Human Races. A library bears his name today. Go to 18B Street for your reading time. A plethora of young people, lovers of literature, organize sets up performances every Saturday and Sunday evenings. There is Marie Clotilde (Toto Bissainthe), an internationally renowned artist and actress, born in 1934, a great voice from Haiti who came from Okap, extinct in 1994, or Florvil Hyppolite, born on March 2, 1828 President of the Republic of Haiti.
In addition, we promise you a musical atmosphere never experienced in the city of Arly Larivière and Jean-Hérard Richard said Richie. Some Konpa music? You’ll find them with the Tropicana and Septentrional orchestras. Do you want to dance Rara-tech? Manito Nation is here for you, you won’t miss their performances. For those who want to attend vodou ceremonies, the historic site Bois-Caiman will honor you on August 13, where the ceremony of August 14, 1791 was held, historical event and of vital importance for the Battle of the Revolution.
Beautiful places to visit (rest) during your stay
Lakou Breda (Hau du Cap): You’ll definitely want to rest somewhere, time to catch your breath. Lakou Breda is the perfect place. It was also there that the forerunner of the Haitian revolution, the liberator of blacks, Toussaint Louverture, was born. Approximately 4 kilometers from the city, at this historic landmark, is located therea luxurious hotel with the same name, built by entrepreneur Hérold Decius, in honour of this great figure in the history of the struggle against slavery.
Cap Deli: For dinner, head to Rue 24 Boulevard. A special menu, facing the sea, awaits you for your treat while enjoying the festive and musical atmosphere. There are also other places to enjoy yourself along the boulevard.
Ile-a-Rat (Labadee): Beautiful islet not to be missed. A virgin forest surrounded by a white sand beach, crystal clear water, then corals. We suggest this little heavenly corner pan unforgettable moment of escape, far from the noise of the city. A little detour is worth it, you won’t regret it.
Citadelle Laferrière: Magnificent fortification built under Henry Christophe. Elevated at an altitude of 900 meters, it is the largest and most prestigious fortress in the Caribbean. A true symbol of pride of the people of the North. It’s in this historic and touristic landmark that American rapper Jason Derulo shot a party for his music video “Colors” World Cup in Russia in 2018. Don’t forget the Palais Sans-souci, a must-see destination, located in Milot.
Labadee: This one goes beyond any comment. A number of cruise ships have been docking since the beginning of 2000 in this paradise where tourists disembark from all corners of the globe, and this, thousands. Labadee has become, in a few years, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. A real oasis. Come and you will surely tell me about it.
HDJ Sport Bar: At the end of their journey, every traveler asks for the national beer: “Prestige”. Go to 15 I Street to cool your throat. If you like literature, it’s time to enjoy, every last Sunday of the month, a book and a beer are offered. Good beer, music, you won’t miss it! For your little gifts, visit Cap Saison at 20B Street or Ht Kdo located at 26 Boulevard.
It should be remembered that the city of Okap, in 1992, was put on the list of the heritage of the Americas and the Caribbean.
n 1995, Cap-Haitien was classified as a national heritage. Let’s not let her wither. “Okap se kinan m, Okap se kinan nou.”
