Pictures of Port-au-Prince

A few weeks ago a Haitian academic emailed some fascinating pictures from CIDIHCA archives around. These two images are taken from there, and happen to be my favorites. The former, erected for the 1949 Bicentennial of Port-au-Prince, is interesting proof of how various Haitian governments have invested in or beautified Haitian cities. While the Exposition may have been, ultimately, unwise given the economic difficulties of the era, projects like these certainly made for nicer-looking cities!

Although I am not sure of the date for the second picture, it looks like something from the early 1900s. These street scenes of Caribbean cities over a century ago have always fascinated me. For aesthetic reasons, Port-au-Prince in wood looks much better than the concrete hovels all over the area today. 

Del Cafetal a la Tumba Francesa

CubAyiti. A brief documentary on Saint Dominguan and Haitian influences in eastern Cuba. Franco-Haitian influences played a large role in the coffee plantations, Afro-Cuban cultures, and music. Lots of beautiful footage of tumba francesa and background information on its African cultural influences (Angola, Congo, Yoruba, Dahomey, etc.). Here is a version with English subtitles.