christmas fanal

Like many countries in the world, people in Haiti have their own tradition during Christmas season

How People In Haiti Celebrate Christmas

Christmas is known in Haiti as 'Jwaye Nowe' (in Creole) or 'Joyeux Noël' (in French). It is the happiest time of the year when all sections of the society get involved in the festival, fix and redecorate their homes ready for Christmas. It is celebrated in a big way with great pomp and show. It is a day when everybody seems to be in a happy mood and celebrate with a lot of eating and drinking, singing and playing. Christmas songs and carols float everywhere in the air. Fireworks, firecrackers and gunshots can be heard all hours of the day and night and houses remain open with the lights till midnight. There are organizations like "Haiti with Love" and "Compassion International" who mobilize their resources to make Christmases special for impoverished children who do not receive any gifts or live in an environment where the joys of Christmas never reach. They also explain and teach them the meaning of Christmas and how it is worth celebrating.

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Here is a picture of several fanales that were constructed for Christmas in Haiti. Fanals come in different forms and shapes. They are sold in the streets.

This tradition of Fanale in Haiti originated from the people who used to work at night in the dark. In order to see where they were going, they used candles, and the fanale came as a way to protect the candle from the wind. The tradition evolved in Haiti and became a Christmas tradition.

Picture of fanal provide by youtube

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Here is a picture of a Fanal or Lamp Nwel. This is a tradition that was very popular, the construction of Fanale. Fanals are usually built by professionals during Christmas season in Haiti. It requires skills and experience to deliver a good fanal.

Picture of fanal provide by youtube

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