On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, as part of the 21st edition of "Tuesdays of the Nation" Patrick Delatour, the Minister of Culture, presented the Government's main guidelines for properly celebrating the memory of the Bois-Caïman ceremony (August 14), a symbol of the heroic revolt that led to the birth of the world's first Black Republic and forged the identity of our Nation.

Arrangements have been made at the highest levels of government to organize a variety of cultural activities, including music, dance, and theater, which will be deployed in all regions of the country, highlighting the richness and diversity of our communities.

The Minister also highlighted the ongoing structural projects aimed at restoring and promoting our heritage treasures : the Citadel, the Sans Souci Palace, the Milot Chapel, the former prisons transformed into cultural centers in Jacmel and Cap-Haïtien, as well as other emblematic sites. Several contracts have already been signed with key partners to bring these projects to fruition.

Faced with the recent attacks and fires targeting major historical monuments, Delatour emphasized the imperative of protecting our heritage. "The increased intervention of security forces aims to safeguard our collective memory and preserve these symbols of our national pride."

Furthermore, the National Heritage Preservation Institute (ISPAN) has been mandated to draw up a detailed inventory of the buildings affected by these acts of vandalism. This approach will allow the State to better assess needs and implement appropriate responses to restore and protect our cultural heritage.

The Government calls on all Haitians to unite around this national celebration, honoring the courage of our ancestors and strengthening Haiti's identity and cultural sovereignty.

In accordance with the presidential decree of December 11, 2024, August 14 is officially recognized as a public holiday in Haiti. Under these circumstances, public administrations, educational institutions, and commercial and industrial institutions will suspend their activities throughout the country.

Speech by Minister of Culture Patrick Delatour :

HL/ HaitiLibre