Christmas in Haiti

Celebrating Christmas in Haiti comes with many special traditions. We hope you enjoy learning a little more about how the people of Haiti celebrate the birth of our Savior.

These traditions vary by location in Haiti and how much extra income one has, but all are just a glimpse of how special Christmas can be – especially to those who know the reason for the season – Jesus Christ.

Reveillon: Christmas Eve is often the day most celebrated in Haiti and Reveillon is an important part of the Haitian culture on this day. “Reveillon” comes from the French word “réveil” which means “waking” and is a time to celebrate the awakening of Christ with a large feast, typically after a midnight church service. 

Traditional foods: As with many holidays, Christmas is characterized by traditional foods and special treats.  Christmas dishes can include rice with djon djon (Haitian mushrooms), rice and beans, chicken creole, fried accra, goat, pineapple upside down cake or orange cake. 

Haitian kremas is a sweet, creamy beverage native to Haiti, traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. It is made from a blend of ingredients like creamed coconut, sweetened condensed milk, nutmeg and rum. 

Fanals: Fanals are small lantern-like homes that are part of Haiti’s Christmas tradition. A candle is placed inside that illuminates the craft and makes a stained-glass effect. The fanals are a century old tradition that many say were used to light worshipers’ way to church. The word fanal comes from the French word for lantern.

Wosle: This is a game often enjoyed by children over the Christmas holiday. It is similar to jacks and keeps children entertained while parents enjoy their Christmas meals and time together.

Pi Detwal: In some parts of Haiti, children enjoy “pi detwal” which are similar to our 4th of July sparklers. Children love to watch the pi detwal light up the darkness of the night. Pi detwal translates to “rain of stars” which is so fitting!

Tonton Nwél: In wealthier families, children place their shoes, neatly cleaned and filled with straw on the porch or under the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Tonton Nwèl (Santa Claus) is expected to remove the straw and put presents in and around the shoes.

Church Services: Some churches in Haiti celebrate Christmas by holding 3-weeks of crusades leading up to Christmas. A midnight service on Christmas Eve called a “watch night service” is popular as many await with great anticipation, the birth of Jesus, and sing “Minuit Chrétien” – O Holy Night.

Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Jwaye Nwel!