Marchan Dessalines - Haiti Observer Blog

Haiti took its freedom and became The First Free-Black Country in the world in 1804. As its capital, Dessalines became the First Black Capital of the world. Undoubtedly named for Haitian revolutionary and first ruler of the independent state, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the town is today home to just a few hundred thousand people.

So unfrequented it is called one of Haiti's hidden treasures, Marchand Dessalines has been overlooked as a historical site with benefit to the tourism industry though inclusion in the 'Experience It' brand would be easy for the well maintained site that still boasts its buildings and fortifications that are well preserved.

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Tourism has been on a substantial descent over the last 20 years. But one series of events, the Fête champêtre, continues to give hope to a struggling industry as tourists, local, from the Diaspora, and international, flock Haiti to witness the countryside festival.

One of the main avenues for entertainment to the 18th century elite, a Fête champêtre (a country feast or pastoral festival) was a type of garden party much loved at court. With pretensions to simplicity, the Fête champêtre was patronized by the well dressed, entertained by musicians hidden in the trees, as they enjoyed the beauty of landscaped park.

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As a reminder, Independence day in Haiti is an important holiday. we are fortunate to celebrate two important events on this day: On January 1, Haitians all over the world celebrate both New Year's Day and Independence Day.

This little nation made history on January 1, 1804 by becoming the first Black Country to gain its independence. At the same time we change the name of the country back to its original name "Ayiti", name given by the original inhabitants and before Christopher Columbus so called discovered the Island in 1492. At that point the island was named "Hispaniola"

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Dessalines, which is located in the Arrondissement of Dessalines in Haiti's Artibonite department, is known as the world's First Black Capital. It spans 259 square kilometers and is 16 miles from the Caribbean Sea and 51 miles from the capital Port-au-Prince. Around 13,000 people live in Dessalines, with some 280 people residing in every one square kilometer.

Dessalines is also called as Marchan Dessalines. It is named after a revolutionary leader named Jean Jacques Dessalines, who was the first person to lead Haiti after gaining its independence. Jean Dessalines loved the town so much as it became the capital of the First Black Free Country, which was established in 1804. He was a key figure in giving freedom to the black race by opposing slavery and colonialism.

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