While everyone was enjoying New Year's Eve and Day activities, Haitians gathered at "La Casa del Migrante" (The Migrant House) to celebrate their Independence Day.
This reunion had one very important element to make them feel like home, a big pot of Joumou, a traditional Haitian soup that was banned for locals during the colonial government of France, and so now it's tradition to enjoy it each independance day.
"Today we eat this squash soup as a sign of freedom," said Webhert Maryland, who was born in Haiti, and also organized a commemorative mass that day.
Despite the fact that more than 18,000 Haitians have fled their country because of the economic crisis, earthquakes and hurricanes, the director of the Migrant House, Patrick Murphy, said that more than a celebration, it's a space so Haitians forget a little about everything that's happening, as well as to feel like at home.
People keep organizing events to help migrants make their stay more comfortable, so if you happen to know of any activity of this kind, don't hesitate and try to be a part of this cultural, social, and economic integration.
Via Jornada BC
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Translated by: cristina.mora@sandiegored.com
