PORT-AU-PRINCE — Christelle Théodore stood behind a neatly arranged display of hand-sewn garments, candles, scarves, all featuring vévés—the intricate Vodou symbols representing the loas, or spirits. Her Damballah Art table was one of the first visible at the entrance of the gastronomic and artisanal fair celebrating the 30th anniversary of Haiti’s Ministry of the Environment.

“Vodou is about balance and connection—with each other and with nature,” Théodore said. “This fair reminds people that our traditions are part of the solution.”

The Ministry of the Environment’s fair, held from June 2 to 4 in Pétion-Ville, showcased how culture, sustainability, and economic opportunity can intersect. 

Théodore emphasized the spiritual and social role Vodou can play in Haiti’s path forward.

 “Of course, Vodou can offer a solution to the country’s crisis, as it promotes community life and mutual support among Haitians,” she told The Haitian Times. “It is a fundamental element that can truly help our society.”

About 15 artisans participated in the fair, each bringing a unique voice to the broader conversation around Haitian identity and sustainability — from traditional handcrafts to upcycled goods.

Among the exhibitors was Jean Desrosiers of the J. Desrosiers workshop, who uses discarded plastic sachets to create school bags. His work not only promotes sustainability but also economic empowerment. 

“I feel happy to exhibit here because, through our products, we provide a solution in a country facing many challenges by recycling disposable water plastic into reusable bags,” Desrosiers said. 

“We are waiting for the government to place orders because recycling has created jobs, and people who work will no longer be a burden on the state,” he said.

Other notable creations included bracelets, lamps, utensils, and cups made from coconut shells by Wawa’s Création. Their display highlighted the potential of everyday materials to be transformed into practical and artistic items.

Handmade jewelry—using marble, wood, and thread—clothing adorned with rural Haitian scenes and locally produced snacks were also available for sale. Visitors enjoyed several other delights of the country’s staples such as manba (peanut butter), spicy pepper sauces, bonbon siwo (molasses cookies), and coconnettes, a cookie made of coconut.

The atmosphere at Coin du Village was festive, offering guests a break from daily hardship and a reminder of what Haitian culture can achieve when given space to shine.

As Théodore said while tending to curious customers, “We are exhibiting in a difficult context, but that does not prevent Vodou from always being present to protect us and keep us in harmony with our surroundings.”

Below are images showcasing the atmosphere and showcase tables at the environment fair: