It's Carnival Time!

Carnival (Kanaval in Haitian Creole) is a widely celebrated event that marks the beginning of one the holiest times of the year. Although the duration of Carnival festivities vary according to national traditions, it always ends on Fat Tuesday which is the last day of eating rich, fatty foods before beginning the Lenten Season of prayer and ritual fasting which commences on Ash Wednesday.

In Haiti, it is the custom for radio stations to begin broadcasting the carnival musical themes known as "Meringue Carnavalesque" as soon as the New Year's festivities are over. This widely celebrated event is a tradition which dates back to the era of French Colonization and has been celebrated in Haiti every year since the 1800′s. Since ancient times, carnival has been the only time when class and social status dissolve. The rich and poor come together on the streets to celebrate without prejudice. Streets are filled with music, parade floats, and people dancing and singing which offers an escape from the struggles of daily life.

Carnival also helps boost the local economy in Haiti. Vendors sell specialized supplies, seamstresses make extravagant costumes, and many earn a wage from body painting or making floats. Carnival helps Haiti’s tourist industry. Every year, hundreds of people travel from the United States and Europe to enjoy the celebrations. This year the National Kanaval, funded by the Haitian Government, is being held in Les Cayes.