Politicians often use the religious holiday week of Rara in Haiti as a way to boost their political status in the community. It makes sense that music and politics became intertwined in Haitian society as well, to help to evolve the political views of the Haitian people. Music and religion are deeply rooted in Haitian society, and so is the idea of political freedom and justice. Music strengthens the communities in Haiti and every Haitian is connected by the melodies. And groups of children burst out in song and dance, for no apparent reason other than singing together and being happy. A spiritual melody rings from the voice of a man as he walks his donkey down the street. Groups of women waiting outside the pediatric ward at Hôpital Sacré Coeur can be heard singing religious hymns in unison. Haitian bands often compete for fans during Carnival season, as the holiday allows them to play for wider audiences during the festivals.Īside from religious holiday music, Haitians are known to also sing spiritual hymns and songs, performed by themselves and in groups, during everyday life. The music played during Carnival can either be traditional Vodoun based, or it can also be more modern styles of music like jazz or even hip hop. The Carnival season festivities also bring music concerts and food stands featuring BBQ meats, snacks and beverages. Carnival is celebrated with street parades that include masked performers, floats, and musicians. Though the holiday is centered on the Catholic Lenten Season, Rara music has strong ties to the Vodoun Religion.Īnother holiday that is centered on music is the Haitian Carnival season, which occurs several weeks leading up to Mardi Gras. Modern Rara musicians also play saxophones and march in parades with baton twirlers, dancers and other performers. The music of Rara is very lively, and traditionally, musicians will play maracas, bells, and trumpets made of bamboo or metal pipes, called vaksen. Among these religious holidays is a week long festival beginning Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter, called Rara. Today, Haiti celebrates many religious holidays that are associated with music. Today, religious music in Haiti can be either in the style of Vodoun, Catholic, or even a mixture of the two. Blues, Jazz, and even French music began mixing with the tribal melodies creating whole new styles of music, unique to Haiti. The musical style of Vodoun can be described as heavy drumming, spiritual dancing and chanting, and this is the basis for the music that has been radiating from Haiti ever since.īy the early 1900’s, as Western Cultures began influencing Haiti, the Catholic religion began growing throughout the country. Haitians had their roots in Africa, and music of Haiti at that time was linked to the Vodoun Religion. In 1804, the Haitian people revolted against slavery and the Republic of Haiti was founded. Though the styles, melodies and tastes of the Haitian listeners have changed throughout the years, the vibrant spirit of music is embedded into the country. Because of the country’s location in the Caribbean as well as the rich history of the isle of Hispaniola, Haiti’s music has French, African, native Taino, and even Spanish influences. Haitian music is vibrant, danceable, and most often religious or politically charged. Music is a part of everyday life in Haiti. Hip Hop songs blast from passing cars, spiritual hymns echo from churches, harmonic choruses ring from the vocal chords of Haitians tending to laundry, and melodies of all kinds are recited by joyful dancing children. A simple stroll down any street in Haiti will fill your ears with music.
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