Lakou - Haiti Observer Blog

As one reaches Souvenance, for the Rara annual festive season, one has to pass the crossroads or Kalfou that goes towards Badjo and Soukri. The roads are dusty. Rara season is at its height on 21st March, Good Friday. Formidable crowds make up each Rara.

On Reaching The Rara

The front is led by flag bearers and the colonel keeps whipping and whistling to keep everyone in order. Wearing bright matching veils and dresses, the brides follow.

European military drums, Petwo, Klewon and Banbou and horns in metal are played by musicians besides other percussion instruments. Female singers sing in chorus and the rest of the crowd participate drinking kleren or rum, singing and dancing.

Read more →  

The Haitian Minister of Culture, Jean Mario Dupuy celebrated the Lakou Soukri kings on the occasion of Guedes, the traditional festival in Haiti. This is just two months after returning to Gonaives from his visit to Lakous.

Mario Dupuy Marks His Presence

Shella Tanisma, the Empress and Marie Carme Delve, the servant, welcomed the Minister as per the rituals. Mario Dupuy stated that his presence amongst the people was a testimony to his commitment to the Republic's President, Michel Martelly, the government and Laurent Lamothe, the Prime Minister and that it demonstrates how important voodoo religion was in Haiti.

Read more →  

The three most popular Voodoo sites in Haiti are Lakou Souvenance, Soukri and Badjo. These 3 houses are among the oldest in Haiti with large membership of voodoo practitioners performing authentic African traditions. Souvenance is known for Rada, Soukri tractices Petro and Badjo practices Nago

These Voodoo sites attract foreigners and locals in large numbers. In the past, this site would attract visitors from all over the world when they are having their annual festival. The Haitian government sees a possibility for the three Voodoo sites to attract tourists thereby help the country to generate additional revenue.

Read more →  

In the objective to support the Haitian Voodoo, Haitian President Michel Martelly visited three "Lakous" in the Artibonite Department on january 13, 2013: Lakou Souvenance, Lakou Soukri Danach, Lakou Badjo.

Martelly conducted the visits with an initiative coming from Culture Minister, Mario Dupuy. He entered inside of the Peristile of Souvenance with a Candle and a cup filled with water and and proceed to do the ritual called "Jete Dlow". The Haitian President received the benediction of the Haitian Voodoo priests or as they are called Houngan.

What is Souvenance?
Souvenance is one of lakous in the Artibonite region that are known for keeping a specific African Voodoo traditions. Lakou Souvenance celebrates the lwas originated from Daome which is called Benin today. Lakou Soukri Danach is known for celebrating the African Kongo tradition. Lakou Badjo has kept the Nago tradition of Yoruba.

Read more →