Haitian Heritage Month is a global celebration held every year in May to honor the profound history, vibrant culture, and significant contributions of Haitians to society. This month-long observance aims to increase awareness and understanding of the Haitian-American community, fostering appreciation for their unique heritage.
It is also important to remember that May 18th is a very significant day in the country’s history page, Haitian Flag Day.
As an E-commerce platform dedicated to Haitian Products, we decided to celebrate Haitian Heritage Month by providing you with 18 ways you can participate in this celebration of Haitian excellence while strengthening our community!
This is our well-thought way to help contribute to the economic development of Haiti as the small business Haitian entrepreneurs are the last line of Haitian Pride. We believe that international fair trade is the ultimate solution to help our local farmers and young entrepreneurs thrive in a challenging economy.
Therefore, you are offered the opportunity to make your own contribution to a strong Haitian legacy and heritage by encouraging fair trade every time you make a purchase on Haispot’s E-commerce Platform.
1. Having finger-licking good Haitian Rice
You can’t go wrong with a big bowl of that Haitian diri!
Did you know that Haitian National Dish is rice and beans? Haitian rice is widely known in the world for its delicacy and 100 % organic nature. When it comes to how you can eat Haitian rice let us assure you that there are a ton of ways to do it.
Find Haitian rice recipes here
Buy some Shella rice: Diri Shella
Buy Ready-to-eat Jasmine rice with beans: Rice & beans with seasonings
2. Using black Mushrooms that can only be found in Haiti (Djondjon)
I bet you already know that this type of edible mushroom is only found in Haiti. Can you imagine that? Djondjon is discovered in northern Haiti and is highly valued as a delicacy in several traditional Haitian dishes, notably Diri Djondjon
Discover the mushrooms that help make rice so good it turns Jamaicans into Haitians here: Haitian mushrooms
3. Taste the Haitian Lalo (Jute leaves)
The most popular food made with Jute leaves is “Diri Lalo”. Lalo is packed with nutrients and vitamins that ramp up the immune system. It has a lot of fiber that is very good for gut health.
This is an amazing vegetable that you definitely have to try: Haitian Lalo
4. Wake up and smell Haitian Coffee
Real Haitians drink Haitian Coffee epi dats it. The mountainous landscape of Haiti yields some of the best coffee crops in the world. Haitian coffee is special, smooth to drink, and mellow with low acidity.
With Haispot.com you can get a real Haitian coffee subscription and have it delivered to your doorstep.
Here is your gateway to Haitian coffee heaven
5. Get some Haitian gourmet Chocolate (Cookies, powder, tablets, cake)
Did you know that our Haitian Chocolate has gained recognition in the international chocolate industry for its distinct taste? Made from cacao beans grown in the country’s lush and fertile regions, particularly in the northern part of the country, Haitian chocolate is often used in gourmet desserts, artisanal chocolate bars, and specialty confections, offering a taste of Haiti’s unique cocoa heritage.
Trust me a cup of hot Haitian chocolate is still the best remedy for a cold morning.
Get some of that Haitian Chocolate:
Mint-flavored Cocoa Tablets to make hot chocolate
One of our best-selling chocolate stores
If you have a sweeter tooth or if you’re not sure about your cooking skills:
Order an homemade Haitian Chocolate cake
6. Spice things up with Haitian Ginger and Turmeric
Haitian ginger and turmeric are two popular ingredients in traditional Haitian cuisine, known for their flavor and health benefits. Ginger is said to offer multiple benefits such as promoting digestion, reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, providing relief from nausea, and offering antioxidant protection.
Turmeric, on the other hand, possesses anti-inflammatory properties, supports joint health, acts as an antioxidant, aids in digestive health, and shows potential for anti-cancer properties. It also makes blood less thick so it’s great to prevent vascular accidents.
With Haispot.com you get those spices in their ground form, reducing the time and effort during cooking while preserving their potency.
Here’s a Haispot store selling both spices
7. Have some independence Pumpkin Soup
Did you know that Haitian soup Joumou has been awarded “Protected Cultural Heritage Status” by UNESCO?
Originally reserved for slave owners, Haitians remixed and took ownership of the soup when they gained independence from France, turning it into a symbol of their newly acquired freedom and an expression of their dignity and resilience.
Get your easy-to-make Joumou powder and keep celebrating Haitian Heritage: Pumkin Powder for easy Soup Joumou
8. Go nuts on Cap-Haitian Cashews
Grown in the northern region of Haiti, they are known for their distinct flavor and are often considered a delicacy. Haitian cashews have a rich and buttery taste. They can be eaten roasted as a snack or used as an ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes.
Haispot.com is bringing you the pure salt roasted cashew straight from Haiti:
Deez Nuts are from Cap Haitian
9. Keep the doctor away with Castor Oil (Lwil Maskriti)
Our parents may not have GOLD but they did their best to give us the best medicine ever. Our pure Haitian Black Castor Oil is more than an heritage, it is one of the best in the world. It is a multi tasker beauty star and has so many health benefits. It’s actually called the Black Gold of the Caribbean for a reason.
Restock your medicine cabinet with
Palmasi Haitian Black Castor Oil, Calolly castor oil or Producyou castor oil.
10. Honor the Tainos with Cassava
Haitian cassava was transmitted by the Tainos who lived on the island and still holds a significant place in the cultural and culinary heritage of Haiti. It has been consumed for generations, becoming deeply rooted in traditions. It used to be served with beef on January 1st and also eaten with peanut butter under the regal name “Royal”!
Get your hands on Cassava here
11. Participate in our No choking Chanmchanm challenge
If you grew up in Haiti you might remember chugging Chanmchanm with your head back and choking almost everyday at school. Because it’s so fun to eat, chanmchanm is widely enjoyed as a snack in Haiti, known for its unique and rare preparation. It offers a tantalizing blend of sweet and salty flavors, made with roasted corn, peanuts and sugar, it leaves a sticky and memorable taste in the mouth. Just make sure you send us a nice video of yourself not choking while eating it! We’ll call it the chanmchanm challenge.
12. Have a jam-packed tropical sandwich
Another thing that goes extremely well with Cassava and peanut butter? Haitian Jam of course! Haiti’s climate allows it to grow sweet and juicy fruits and they are well preserved in the form of jams that taste like heaven. Treat yourself!
From guava to pineapple, Haispot.com is offering everything you need to feel connected with your heritage.
Pick your jam flavor from this store
13. Wear a stylish Haitian Handbag
Talk about a statement piece! More than just handbags, they are special and unique. Made by skilled artisans in Haiti using homemade materials, these handbags represent art in its purest form. Very stylish and suitable for everyday use and special occasions.
Wear a stylish Haitian Handbag and walk with pride toward passing on a legacy!
14. Step your foot in Haiti with stylish sandals
As a Haitian child, one of the worst things that could happen is to get caught playing in the neighborhood barefoot! With Haispot you can even get your handmade “Mouri Kite” sandals from Haiti. We recommend the one decorated as our beloved flag.
Order your Haitian Flag tailor-made sandal FOR MEN or FOR WOMEN
15. Give your meals the Haitian Seasoning treatment
Seasoning in Haiti is not just about enhancing the taste of food; it is a reflection of the rich history and cultural heritage of the country. The flavors are an amalgamation of African, Indigenous, and European influences, brought together through centuries of trade and migration. Some claim that Haitian Cuisine’s success rests upon the shoulders of its seasonings.
16. Sail away with a Haitian Folktale
Haiti is a land of mystery and reading a good illustrated book made in Haiti is a great way to connect with our cultural heritage. We’ll just leave you with the book’s synopsis: “Nara’s belly was bubbling like champagne with excitement as the tiny boat set sail to find a better life. Not even the captain could’ve imagined the ocean floor itself was bubbling as centuries of secrets were ready to resurface. Experience all the magic of Haitian lore by joining the boat people of the Titanic Kantè as their journey of migration puts them on the path of man-eating sharks, monsters, and mermaids!”
17. Get yourself a personal or family portrait drawing
Art has the ability to transport viewers into a world filled with emotion and captivating narratives. Imagine having someone draw your picture with a pencil from Haiti. How great would that be to see you smiling in a painting or have some of the most beautiful rural scenes of Haiti depicted in art shipped to you?
Order your pencil portrait here
18. Play Haitian Games with your family (Growing Up Haitian)
Growing up in Haiti as a child was filled with joy and a strong sense of community. Despite the challenges that the country faced, children found solace and happiness in a variety of games and activities that fostered friendship, creativity, and a connection to their cultural roots. Growing Up Haitian is one of the first games we would recommend you start playing. This card game pulls on those experiences, invokes laughter & teaches Haitian Creole. In the end, you’ll realize, we all grew up the same way.
This card game can be played with family, friends, and even your parents!
Get your Growing up Haitian game here
There you go! 18 delicious and fun ways to celebrate Haiti while supporting Haitian entrepreneurs back home. It gives a whole different twist to the concept of “Haitian pride”. Which of those ways will you be trying? Let us know in the comments how it goes and be sure to send us pictures! Being Haitian is a blessing, one that needs to be shouted and shared.
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