Haiti’s Terrier Rouge celebrates Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul in a colorful mix of faith and tradition

TROU DU NORD- The northeastern regional town of Terrier Rouge came alive on June 29 for the annual celebration of Saint Pierre and Saint Paul, a vibrant mix of faith, tradition and community spirit. The festivities were marked by a series of events that brought the city to life with energy and dedication. From the heartfelt prayers of the Catholic faithful to the mystical voodoo ceremonies and lively dances during night concerts, the festival is a profound expression of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

“The celebration brings grace and salvation to all members of the community,” said Hervé Félix, a devoted church member, emphasizing the significance of the celebration for everyone in Terrier Rouge.

From June to August, more than 30 provincial towns are cheered up with their patron saint festival and a subsequent one Eat champagne, a cultural and spiritual celebration that draws Haitians from all over and beyond. This cultural event brings together Catholic and Vodouite celebrants who come together to make requests to the spirits, reviving the economic activity of the cities during the celebrations.

As the sun rose, Monsignor Kesnel Alphonse, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort-Liberté, led the town’s faithful in a street procession to the Church of Saint-Pierre, dressed in vibrant red and white, to celebrate the traditional Mass. Under a newly constructed tent to accommodate more devotees, Mgr. Alphonse addressed the crowd, urging them to reflect on the life-changing moments of Peter and Paul and to find their moments of spiritual awakening.

During the mass, Catholic devotees in elegant Sunday attire poured their hearts into their prayers for the country, their voices rising in songs full of deep emotion. With closed eyes in intense concentration, they presented their fervent requests and aspirations to God. Whether they knelt before the altar, stood or sat under the tent, everyone seemed wrapped in a personal moment of communion, seeking divine intervention and entrusting their hopes to a higher power.

In several streets near the church, under colorful tents, vendors offered pilgrims everything from rosaries, candles and spiritual image bracelets to prayers at the feet of the saint. Vendors under umbrellas displayed local snacks and traditional regional dishes. People mingled, laughed and enjoyed the cheerful atmosphere.

During the day, people moved between the church, the market square and sacred Vodou sites to experience the city fèt chapèt spirit. Priests from nearby parishes gathered in the rectory of St. Peter’s Church for a communal meal, sharing stories and laughter.

In the background, Vodou believers continue their activities in other mystical places, with followers worshipping both St. Peter and St. Paul as well as the spirits of the Iof their traditions.

When evening fell, Place Saint Peter became the heart of the celebration, with local music groups playing cheerful music that everyone danced to.

“The feast of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul is important for the city’s residents because it gives us the opportunity to showcase the community’s potential, such as crafts, agriculture and cuisine,” said Adrien Angrand, a church member.

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