Despite the political turmoil gripping the country, preparations for Haiti’s annual Carnival celebration in February began in January 2019, with artists, costume designers, and event organizers pressing ahead with one of the country’s most important cultural traditions. Carnival — known in Haiti as Kanaval — is more than just a party; it is a deeply rooted expression of Haitian identity, creativity, and resilience.
Artists preparing Carnival songs faced a particular challenge: how to address the country’s political reality without turning the celebration into a political event. Some composers embraced the challenge head-on, writing songs that referenced the PetroCaribe protests and called for accountability in terms that were pointed but also danceable. Others focused on themes of love, joy, and Haitian cultural pride.
City officials in Port-au-Prince confirmed that Carnival would go ahead as scheduled, arguing that canceling the celebration would send a message of defeat and deprive Haitian artists and vendors of critical income. Critics argued that holding a major celebration amid a humanitarian crisis showed a misreading of national priorities.
For the many Haitians who saw Carnival as a vital cultural release valve, the preparations offered a rare moment of anticipation and excitement in an otherwise grim political landscape.