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Get ready to celebrate the rich history and culture of Haiti on December 5th with Discovery Day! This national holiday commemorates the day in 1492 when Christopher Columbus first landed on the island, which he originally named Hispaniola. Despite its tumultuous past, Haiti has a vibrant and colorful culture that is worth celebrating. From delicious cuisine to beautiful art and music, there are endless ways to honor this special day and learn more about this fascinating country. So let's come together and discover all that Haiti has to offer on Discovery Day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1492</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Christopher Columbus Lands</div><div class='timeline-text'>Christopher Columbus first landed on the island, known today as Haiti, on December 5, marking a significant moment in world history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1804</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Haitian Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Haiti gained its independence becoming the world's first black-led republic and the second country in the Americas to gain independence from European monarchies.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1949</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Masterpieces of Haiti" Exhibition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Haitian art gained international recognition through the "Masterpieces of Haiti" exhibition held in France.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Discovery Day Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>Haiti officially established Discovery Day as a national holiday to commemorate the day Christopher Columbus first landed on the island.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Haiti Earthquake</div><div class='timeline-text'>A devastating earthquake hit Haiti, sparking international aid and rekindling the global interest in Haiti's vibrant culture and history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Discovery Day Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Haitians around the world continue to honor their rich history and culture on Discovery Day, with festivities, exhibitions, and cultural events.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Haitian food feast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family and cook up a traditional Haitian meal to celebrate Discovery Day! You can try dishes such as Griot (fried pork), Tasso (stewed beef), or Akra (malanga fritters).</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary about Haiti</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn more about Haiti's history and culture by watching a documentary or film about the country. This is a great way to commemorate Discovery Day and increase your knowledge about the country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Haitian cultural event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community events calendar to see if there are any Haitian cultural events happening on Discovery Day. This could be a festival, concert, or art exhibit that showcases the rich culture of Haiti.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn Haitian Creole</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In honor of Haiti's official language, take some time to learn some basic phrases in Haitian Creole. This is a fun and educational way to celebrate Discovery Day and show appreciation for Haitian culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a Haitian charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use Discovery Day as an opportunity to give back to the Haitian community by donating to a reputable charity that supports education, healthcare, or other important causes in Haiti.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates Haiti's history and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Discovery Day is a day to commemorate the arrival of Christopher Columbus in Haiti and the subsequent European influence on the island. It serves as a reminder of Haiti's rich history and diverse cultural heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and solidarity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Discovery Day brings people from all over Haiti together to celebrate their shared history and culture. It strengthens national identity and promotes unity among Haitians, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about current issues in Haiti</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>While Discovery Day may serve as a celebration of Haiti's past, it also sheds light on the present issues facing the country. This includes social, political, and economic struggles that Haitians continue to face, bringing attention to important issues that need to be addressed.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Haiti is the Most Mountainous Country in the Caribbean</h3><p class='facts-content'>Haiti is topographically the most mountainous nation in the Caribbean and this rugged terrain played a vital role during its fight for independence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Haiti has a Rich Tradition of Oral Storytelling</h3><p class='facts-content'>For generations, Haitians have been passing down legends and folk tales through the tradition of oral storytelling, a practice that not only entertains but also preserves their culture and history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Haiti's Citadelle Laferrière is a Historical World Heritage Site</h3><p class='facts-content'>Built after the Haitian revolution for protection against French invasion, this large mountaintop fortress is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Haiti and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Haiti's Flag Represents its History and People</h3><p class='facts-content'>Adopted in 1806, the blue stripe in Haiti's flag represents the country's black citizens and the red stripe represents the gens de couleur (people of color). The coat of arms depicts weaponry symbolizing readiness to defend freedom, and a royal palm for independence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Haitian Carnival is One of the Largest Carnivals in the Caribbean</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Haitian Carnival, locally known as Kanaval, is a vibrant, music-infused festival celebrated nationwide. It expresses each region's culture and history and presents an opportunity for Haitians to express their artistic abilities.</p></div></div>
Discovery Day (Haiti) is celebrated on December 5 every year. In 2024 Discovery Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Dec 5
Tuesday
2024
Dec 5
Thursday
2025
Dec 5
Friday
2026
Dec 5
Saturday
2027
Dec 5
Sunday
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