Culture & Identity of Haiti
WARNING: Safety is a concern in Haiti, please read this travel warning before going!
Introduction
Life in Haiti is diverse. From mountains to beaches, from urbanites to rural dwellers, from the farmers to industrial workers, life in Haiti is diverse. However, the people generally seem to cling to one identity and often share the same attitude, which is relaxed and one that welcomes all as friends and family.
The way of life begins with this easy going attitude. Time seems unimportant, as does much of the material possessions many people strive for, instead family is the center of the culture and life revolves around family and doing what's best for one's family, even if that means going to extremes to support their family.
Although the people do share the center of their lives in family, the daily schedule and way of life differ in many other ways. Nearly half the population lives in rural areas and of those with jobs, most work in agriculture. For these famers life tends to be occupied with long days based on the sun, weather, and seasons. During busy times of the year the whole family helps in the fields, while most down time is spent in the home with family. Of course many of these people rely on their community for survival as people come together to celebrate, mourn, or help with a project.