Carnival des Fleurs in Haiti, 2013 - Carnival of Flowers Haiti

August 15, 2013 10:57 AM

The end of July was the perfect time for tourists wishing to get a taste of Haiti's rich culture and history after the Carnival des Fleurs (Carnival of Flowers) kicked off its second year of festivities. The Carnival of Flowers was reinstated after a lengthy cessation implemented by the Duvalier era by President Michel Martelly. Igniting skepticism as to its viability when one considers the current economical climate in Haiti, President Martelly's decision was criticized by those stating that the high price tag, an estimated $2.2 million, could have been put to better use in other areas of the economy.

BAL DES REINES: Prom queens of Carnival of Flowers 2013

In its favor, the festival employs 1,500 people, including the dancers, food caterers and makeup artists who make the festivities possible. As the newly revived festival picks up steam and gains traction as a cultural attraction for visitors, the possibility for future benefits can only continue, making the festival an investment as well as a good time to be had.

During the three day celebration, many tens of thousands flock to Port-au-Prince in various kinds of dress. From the sedate in their street clothes, to the more flamboyant who dress up in the costumes, high in color and expectedly revealing, Haitians come from all over to fill the streets, dancing to the local acts who play pied piper to the reveling crowd.

Protest against the Carnival of Flowers

It is, indeed, an interesting, must-see production, expressed aptly in one act where a man, dressed as the national hero, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, lies in full regalia in his well-made coffin to be paraded through the streets. It is no wonder not even the rain, or nightfall, can keep the Carnival goers away.

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