In July 2024, Lobey Art & Travel proudly proposed Initiative 31 CFR § 515.560 - Unity in Diversity, a cultural initiative dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage and diversity of the Haitian diaspora. This project aims to bring together Haitians, Haitians of the diaspora, and Haitian-Cubans, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their shared cultural roots and traditions.
The inaugural event, “Project Reconnect,” held in Santiago de Cuba, during the 43rd edition of the Festival del Caribe / Fiesta del Fuego sponsored by Casa del Caribe, marked the beginning of a vibrant collaboration with Casa del Caribe. This project seeks to promote intercultural dialogue, artistic expression, cultural exchange, and the building of cultural communities, without political agendas or affiliations.
By embracing their shared cultural identity, participants In Project Reconnect can explore their heritage, preserve traditions, and create new expressions of Haitian culture. Initiative 31 CFR § 515.560 - Unity in Diversity is a celebration of the diversity, creativity, and resilience of the Haitian diaspora, promoting unity through cultural understanding and exchange.
The attendance and active participation of the Lobey Art & Travel Art Curation Team at the 43rd Edition of the Festival del Caribe/Festival del Fuego in Santiago de Cuba marked the inaugural pilot program for the Reconnect Project. This innovative initiative aimed to foster cultural exchange, promote artistic collaboration, and build global connections through immersive experiences within the dynamic Caribbean arts scene. A key focus of the project was the reconnection of Haitians from the diaspora with Cubans of Haitian descent. This reconnection was not only a celebration of shared histories, customs, and traditions, but it also opened up exciting possibilities for the creation of new cultural expressions. By fostering dialogue between these two communities—each with its own rich cultural heritage—the project encouraged the blending of artistic forms, music, dance, and storytelling, leading to the development of unique, hybrid cultural practices that transcend traditional boundaries.
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In addition to enriching cultural exchange, the renewed interaction between these communities also aimed to create a compelling reason for more Haitians from the diaspora to visit Cuba. Cuba presents a meaningful alternative—offering a space where Haitians can reconnect with their roots, engage in cultural dialogue, and explore opportunities for both personal and professional growth. This shift not only supports the cultural and emotional needs of the Haitian diaspora but also promotes Cuba as a vibrant destination that fosters both heritage and progress.
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What better time to immerse oneself in this Caribbean cultural atmosphere than during the Festival del Caribe/Festival del Fuego, held annually in Santiago de Cuba from July 3rd to the 9th? Sponsored by the illustrious Casa del Caribe, this celebration offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant traditions, music, and artistic expressions that have shaped the region. The festival serves as a cultural cornerstone, attracting visitors from around the world to engage with the rich heritage of the Caribbean, making it the perfect backdrop for the Reconnect Project’s mission. The timing of this event allows Haitians from the diaspora to embrace both their cultural roots and a sense of belonging, in a dynamic setting that fosters connection, creativity, and shared experiences
An outreach initiative was devised to facilitate and encourage visits to the communities of Haitian descendants in Cuba. This initiative draws on extensive research conducted by prominent Cuban scholars and institutions, including the renowned Casa del Caribe, which has long documented the rich and deep-rooted history of Haitian influence in Cuba. Based on already established and published studies, the project has carefully mapped out key regions in Cuba where the historical presence of Haitian descendants is particularly significant. These areas, known for their cultural and social contributions, are home to vibrant communities that preserve unique traditions, customs, and artistic expressions passed down through generations.
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Among the areas identified are regions such as Santiago de Cuba, known for its blend of Haitian and Afro-Cuban traditions in music, dance, and cuisine; Guantanamo, where Haitian cultural heritage has a profound influence on local rituals and festivals; and Matanzas, which boasts a history of Haitian migration and a rich cultural tapestry of Haitian and Afro-Cuban art. Other notable locations include Cienfuegos, with its Haitian-descended population playing a key role in shaping the region’s agricultural and cultural landscape, and Havana, where the Haitian community has made significant contributions to the capital's music scene and cultural fabric.
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The goal of this outreach is not only to encourage the Haitian diaspora to reconnect with their roots but also to promote intercultural understanding and collaboration between these historically connected communities. By facilitating visits to these regions, the Reconnect Project hopes to spark conversations, foster collaborations, and encourage the sharing of experiences, thus strengthening the ties between the Haitian diaspora and their Cuban relatives. Through these visits, both the Haitian and Cuban communities are given the opportunity to rediscover their shared history, deepen their cultural understanding, and create new collaborative expressions that honor their intertwined legacies.
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Eastern Cuba:
1. Santiago de Cuba: Significant Haitian presence, cultural influence, and historical settlements.
2. Guantánamo: Haitian migrants worked in sugar plantations, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.
3. Baracoa: Haitian influence in music, dance, and art.
4. Holguín: Haitian descendants in rural areas, particularly in the sugar industry.
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Central Cuba:
1. Camagüey: Haitian migrants settled in rural areas, contributing to agriculture and culture.
2. Las Tunas: Haitian presence in sugar plantations and rural communities.
3. Ciego de Ávila: Haitian descendants in agricultural areas.
Western Cuba:
1. Havana: Haitian migrants settled in neighborhoods like Jesús María and San Isidro.
2. Matanzas: Haitian influence in music, dance, and art.
3. Pinar del Río: Haitian descendants in tobacco and agricultural communities.
Specific Towns and Cities:
1. Haití-Siboney (Santiago de Cuba province): Founded by Haitian migrants.
2. Haití-Miraflores (Guantánamo province): Haitian settlement.
3. Versalles (Matanzas province): Haitian influence in music and dance.
4. Palma Soriano (Santiago de Cuba province): Significant Haitian presence.
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Islands and Coastal Areas:
1. Isle of Youth (Isla de la Juventud): Haitian migrants worked in agriculture and fishing.
2. Cayo Largo del Sur: Haitian presence in fishing and tourism.
Historical Settlements:
1. Haitian Quarter (Barrio Haitiano) in Santiago de Cuba.
2. Haitian Settlement (Asentamiento Haitiano) in Guantánamo.
Project Reconnect necessarily implicates the establishment of La Casa de Haiti in Santiago de Cuba, which will serve as a physical platform and central hub for the ongoing work of the project. La Casa de Haiti in Santiago de Cuba will be the concrete embodiment of the project's mission to reconnect and strengthen ties between the Haitian diaspora and the Cuban community of Haitian descendants. It will be designed not only as a cultural and artistic center but also as a place of historical reflection, community engagement, and collaborative creation.
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The Casa de Haiti will offer a permanent, tangible space where cultural exchange, dialogue, and artistic collaboration can take place. It will house exhibitions, performances, workshops, and educational programs that highlight the shared histories, traditions, and experiences of the Haitian and Cuban peoples. As a cultural center, it will provide a venue for the celebration of Haitian heritage through art, music, dance, literature, and culinary traditions, allowing visitors from both the Haitian diaspora and Cuban communities to immerse themselves in the richness of these shared cultural expressions.
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Beyond cultural celebrations, La Casa de Haiti in Santiago de Cuba will also act as a resource and advocacy center, helping to facilitate exchanges between artists, scholars, and community leaders from both nations. It will serve as an incubator for new ideas, collaborative projects, and artistic expressions that emerge from the reconnection of these communities. This physical space will provide a platform for sustained dialogue on pressing issues such as migration, identity, and the social and cultural contributions of Haitian descendants in Cuba.
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The establishment of La Casa de Haiti in Santiago de Cuba will be crucial in ensuring the durability and long-term impact of Project Reconnect. It will provide an anchor for the project’s efforts, ensuring that the mission of fostering cultural ties, promoting artistic collaboration, and building global connections is not just an event-based initiative but a continuous, evolving process. Through this hub, Project Reconnect will create a lasting legacy, serving as a bridge for future generations to engage with their cultural heritage and strengthen their connections across borders. The Casa de Haiti will not only stand as a symbol of the project’s success but also as a living, breathing testament to the enduring bonds between Haiti and Cuba
In the foothills of the Sierra Maestra mountains, in the quaint town of Chivirico, lies a legacy that whispers tales of the past. It begins with the Dimet David brothers, Daniel and Elie, scions of a family whose roots delve deep into the rich cultural soil of Cuba's Haitian community. The Dimet David brothers stand as guardians of a multifaceted heritage, weaving together threads of Haitian and Cuban traditions. Their story is one of resilience, creativity, and the unyielding spirit of their ancestors.​
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Project Reconnect's journey to Chivirico led to a serendipitous encounter with these remarkable brothers, uncovering a treasure trove of cultural knowledge, artistic expression, and familial history. Daniel and Elie's lives are a testament to the enduring power of heritage, forged through generations of love, struggle, and determination.
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Through the invaluable connection established by the Dimet brothers, Project Reconnect was introduced to the Haitian descendant community in Chivirico. This introduction marked a pivotal moment for the project, opening a gateway to a treasure trove of cultural heritage, oral histories, and living traditions deeply rooted in the Haitian legacy. Their efforts not only provided access but also laid the groundwork for a meaningful and respectful engagement with the local Haitian-descendant population. Through their insights and introductions, Project Reconnect was able to immerse itself in the unique cultural tapestry of this community, uncovering stories of migration, resilience, and identity.
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Chivirico, like many areas in eastern Cuba, is home to a vibrant community of Haitian descendants who trace their lineage back to laborers, agricultural workers, and refugees seeking sanctuary from political upheaval in Haiti. Over generations, they wove their traditions into the fabric of Cuban society, creating a distinctive cultural identity that blends Haitian and Cuban elements.
​​Barranca, a municipality in Santiago de Cuba Province, stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring legacy of Haitian migration and its profound impact on Cuba's cultural fabric. This community, where an estimated 30-40% of the population claims Haitian ancestry, serves as a living bridge between the histories, traditions, and identities of Haitians and Cuban Haitian descendants. For Haitians in the diaspora seeking reconnection with their roots, Barranca offers a poignant and dynamic reflection of shared heritage and cultural resilience.
The migration of Haitians to Cuba in the 19th century brought free laborers and refugees escaping political turmoil, particularly after the Haitian Revolution. Settling in regions like Barranca, these migrants carried with them a wealth of traditions, languages, and customs, which have been carefully preserved and adapted over generations. Today, Barranca's Haitian descendants honor this legacy through rich cultural expressions that embody their ancestral spirit while blending harmoniously with Cuban influences. ​​​
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Central to Barranca's cultural identity are its musical traditions. Genres like kompa and zouk, deeply rooted in Haitian rhythms, flourish alongside Afro-Cuban folkloric dances, creating a vibrant fusion that celebrates the shared African heritage of these communities. These performances are more than entertainment; they are acts of cultural preservation and pride, showcasing the artistry and storytelling that define Haitian and Afro-Cuban traditions.
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The culinary landscape of Barranca further illustrates this cultural blending. The fusion cuisine reflects the flavors of Haitian and Cuban gastronomy, combining techniques and ingredients in ways that honor the ingenuity of both heritages. These dishes serve as a reminder of the shared histories and resourcefulness of migrant communities, who turned adversity into opportunity.
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Barranca also stands as a hub of resilience and cultural exchange, where traditions such as the Creole language and practices like Vodou have been preserved, albeit adapted to the Cuban context. These elements not only offer a sense of identity and continuity for Haitian descendants but also enrich the broader cultural tapestry of Cuba.
It is with distinct honor and privilege that Project Reconnect engages with Odilia Sagesse Dupré, also Odilia Solo Soyé affectionately known as "Matiti," a luminary whose legacy embodies the enduring spirit of Afro-Caribbean culture. As the leader of the renowned Gaga de Thompson—a traditional ensemble that preserves the vibrant rhythms and rituals of Haitian Rara—Matiti has played an instrumental role in championing the cultural traditions of Haitian descendants in Cuba. Her unwavering commitment to cultural preservation is further demonstrated by her pivotal role in founding the Festival del Caribe, a vital platform that celebrates the diversity and interconnectedness of Caribbean identities.
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​Through this collaboration, Project Reconnect not only acknowledges Matiti’s invaluable contributions but also deepens the bonds between Haitian diasporic communities and their Cuban counterparts. Matiti's leadership within the Gaga de Thompson reflects the enduring legacy of Haitian traditions in Cuba, where descendants of Haitian migrants have maintained their cultural expressions through music, dance, and spirituality, even amidst shifting political and social landscapes.
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The involvement of figures like Matiti in Project Reconnect highlights the richness of this cultural dialogue. It serves as a reminder of the shared histories of migration, survival, and mutual enrichment that define the Haitian and Cuban experience. This partnership offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the tenacity and creativity of these communities while ensuring that their stories are preserved and passed down to future generations. This collaboration is not only a tribute to the past but a vibrant pathway to a shared future.
Reconnection often transcends structured plans, evolving organically as deeper layers of shared heritage and cultural resonance come to light. This truth was vividly illustrated through Project Reconnect's participation to the International Creole Day celebrations, an initiative of Lobey Art & Travel in collaboration with La Casa del Caribe. This effort brought the celebrated artist Odilia Solo Soyé, affectionately known as Matiti, to the Casa del ALBA Cultural in Havana. The event, held under the auspices of the Embassies of Haiti and Saint Lucia in Havana, was a centerpiece of the International Creole Day celebrations.
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Matiti, an icon of cultural preservation and artistic expression, epitomizes the enduring vibrancy of Creole culture. Her presence at the Casa del ALBA Cultural symbolized the confluence of art, history, and identity that defines Creole traditions across the Caribbean. As a performer and cultural leader, Matiti carries the legacy of Haitian heritage while fostering connections across diasporic communities. Her involvement in this celebration underscored the shared histories and contemporary relevance of Creole culture as a living, evolving testament to resilience and creativity.
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​The Casa del ALBA Cultural, a space dedicated to promoting intercultural dialogue and solidarity across Latin America and the Caribbean, provided a fitting stage for this moment of reconnection. During the International Creole Day celebrations, the gathering served as a vibrant homage to the Creole identity shared by nations across the region. Attendees were immersed in the rhythmic heartbeat of Haitian and Caribbean music, the storytelling of ancestral traditions, and the dynamic energy of cultural performance.
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The partnership between the Embassies of Haiti and Saint Lucia added a diplomatic dimension to this cultural event, reflecting the shared commitment to honoring and preserving Creole heritage. The collaboration also highlighted the interconnected nature of Creole-speaking nations, emphasizing their collective contribution to the cultural and historical richness of the Caribbean. In bringing together artists, diplomats, and cultural leaders, the event became a living bridge between these communities, reinforcing ties and fostering dialogue.
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Project Reconnect's facilitation of Matiti's participation illuminated the powerful role of cultural initiatives in weaving together fragmented narratives. It demonstrated how cultural expressions—whether through music, dance, or storytelling—can transcend borders to foster a sense of belonging and unity. The involvement of multiple stakeholders, from artists to embassies, exemplified the multifaceted connections that exist within the Caribbean’s Creole-speaking diaspora.
As we embark on 2025, we are filled with hope, determination, and an invigorated sense of purpose to advance Project Reconnect. This year, we aim to expand our outreach to more communities of Haitian descendants in Cuba, amplifying the cultural resonance of this initiative and strengthening the bridges that connect the Haitian diaspora with its Cuban roots. With a series of well-crafted plans and a clear vision for continuous execution, we are ready to build on the project's successes and embrace new opportunities for growth and impact.
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The focus for 2025 is not only on sustaining Project Reconnect’s momentum but also on deepening and broadening its scope. Outreach to additional Haitian descendant communities across Cuba is central to our mission this year, as it aligns with our commitment to inclusivity, cultural preservation, and the celebration of shared heritage. These efforts will allow us to uncover new stories, traditions, and expressions that enrich the tapestry of Haitian-Cuban identity.
Our key priorities for 2025 include:
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Expanding Geographical Reach: While Santiago de Cuba and its surrounding areas remain focal points, we are planning to extend our activities to communities in provinces such as Guantánamo, Camagüey, and Granma, where significant Haitian-descendant populations reside. This expanded scope ensures that Project Reconnect truly represents the diversity and breadth of Haitian heritage in Cuba.
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Deepening Community Engagement: To build trust and meaningful connections, we will collaborate directly with local leaders, cultural practitioners, and families within these communities. This includes organizing town hall meetings, cultural workshops, and storytelling sessions that celebrate their unique contributions to the Haitian-Cuban narrative.
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Enhancing Cultural Programming: Building on the success of events like International Creole Day, we plan to introduce new programming tailored to specific communities, including festivals, music and dance showcases, and Creole language initiatives. These programs will be co-created with local participants to ensure authenticity and relevance.
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Strengthening Educational Components: Recognizing the importance of passing on heritage to future generations, we aim to introduce educational programs in schools and community centers. These initiatives will teach Creole language, history, and traditional practices, empowering younger generations to take pride in their heritage.
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Increasing Representation in Digital Spaces: To ensure the stories and traditions of Haitian-descendant communities are accessible globally, we plan to document and share our outreach efforts through digital platforms. This includes creating video interviews, virtual tours, and interactive content that highlight the richness of these communities.
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Fostering Artistic Collaborations: Artists like Odilia Solo Soyé (Matiti) will continue to play a vital role in the project, alongside new collaborators who will bring fresh perspectives and creative energy. Artistic exchanges between Haitian descendants in Cuba and the diaspora will further emphasize the shared cultural bonds.
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Building Institutional Partnerships: By collaborating with cultural organizations like La Casa del Caribe, academic institutions, and local governments, we will secure the resources and support necessary to sustain and grow the project. Partnerships with embassies, including those of Haiti and other Creole-speaking nations, will remain instrumental.
Entering 2025, we carry forward the belief that reconnecting with communities of Haitian descendants is a transformative and unifying endeavor. Each new connection strengthens the collective identity of Haitian-Cuban descendants and the global Haitian diaspora, preserving their traditions while fostering solidarity. Our optimism and motivation are anchored in the conviction that cultural heritage is a living force—a source of empowerment and inspiration. As we bring Project Reconnect to more communities, we reaffirm our commitment to celebrating and preserving this invaluable legacy for generations to come. Together, we are shaping a future where the beauty and resilience of Haitian culture continue to thrive, both in Cuba and beyond.