10 things Haitians in Haiti do that take Haitian-Americans aback

CAP-HAITIEN — First Black Republic, griyo, soup joumou on January First, even political instability are among the first thoughts that come to mind when Haitians abroad think of the homeland. But as ongoing crises have led to a decline in travel to Haiti in recent years, certain social mores common in Haiti might cause some Haitians living abroad to do a double-take. 

As part of The Haitian Times’ special coverage of 2022 Haitian Heritage Month, here’s a list of such notable sights seen in day-to-day life from an observer, yours truly, on a walk in Cap-Haitien. Some are quirky, others ingenious. All are sure to surprise, if not shock, some compatriots outside of Haiti.