Haiti , Jacmel

Jacmel, Haiti: the colorful art capital of the Caribbean

Located on the Caribbean coast in the south of Haiti, Jacmel is the capital of the South-East Department, about 100 kilometers from the capital, Port-au-Prince. This vibrant seaside city is known as "Haiti's cultural treasure" for its well-preserved 19th-century French colonial architecture and its rich art scene.

History and architectural features

Once an important coffee and sugar trading port in Haiti in the 19th century, Jacmel is home to a large collection of colonial buildings with iron balconies, colorful wooden houses, and stone streets, and in the 1990s, local artists launched a preservation campaign to make the city one of the most intact displays of colonial architecture in the Caribbean, with the Historic Center of Jacmel inscribed on the reserve list of World Heritage Sites.

Arts, Culture and Festivals

The Carnival of Jacmel, held every February, is Haiti's greatest cultural celebration, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the streets. The city is also home to numerous art galleries and craftsmen's workshops, known for their unique metal sculptures, paintings and Vodou flag crafts. The Museu Bascom has an important collection of indigenous Haitian art that showcases the unique flavor of Creole culture.

Tourism and Nature

Visitors can stroll along the esplanade for a Caribbean view and explore the St. Philip's St. James Church, built in 1895. Surrounding natural attractions include the Bascom Blue Waterfalls and the Pinon Island Ecological Reserve for hiking and diving activities. With its safe and friendly tourist environment, Jacmel is the ideal gateway to explore Haitian culture.