Diner en blanc

If you were anywhere around Petion-Ville, Saturday, perhaps you noticed crowds of people elegantly dressed, all in white garb and loading up baskets and coolers. If you were wondering what was going on, it was the second edition of Diner en Blanc Haiti.

Diner en Blanc was created in Paris over 25 years ago by François Pasquier, and is hosted in over 30 countries around the world. This is the second time it has taken place in Haiti, last year it was held at the Musee Ogier-Fombrun at Moulin sur Mer, with over 400 in attendance. This year it is said that 700 participated, majority coming from Haiti, but at least 20% from Quebec, France, U.S., Guadalupe, and Martinique.

What exactly is Diner en Blanc? Think chic picnic, where guest are require to dress in all white, and the location is kept a secret until the last minute.

Weeks leading to the event, the committee was very diligent, emailing guest with information on meet-up, attire, food menus, and drink options. Saturday afternoon, guest began arriving to the Karibe Hotel, one of the bus pick-up points set up around town. All received the same strict instructions; arrive at 1pm, departure at 2pm sharp.

After boarding, each bus’ “Chef de Bus” (Bus Captain) provided additional information, and kept guest entertained with contests and conversations. Buses followed behind one another, making their way up Canape Vert, passing through Petion-Ville, and finally turning to make their way up Kenscoff Road. It eventually became clear that the secret location was Le Montcel Ranch.

As previously instructed, gentlemen exited the bus first, and began arranging the tables and chairs. Soon after it was the ladies turn to disembark and continuing setup by creating the decor. This year, it appeared that everyone was set out to win the prize for the best decorated table. There were tables with towering floral arrangements, others with crystal candelabras as center pieces, and all seem to be set with the best china reserved for things like holiday dinners. It all made for a very chic and elegant setting.

DJ Didier Roman “Rocsteady” set the party tone, while guest mingled and dined under the starlit sky. New band Akoustic, kept everyone on their feet the whole night, with their interesting covers of Konpa/Jazz/Classic Rock and Pop music. The atmosphere was like that of a family party. There was a feeling of solidarity and connectivity that permeated the air. Everyone eating, dancing and partying together, any troubles the days ahead could bring was not a concern that night.

Unfortunately the night had to end, and guest packed up their belonging, cleaned their respected areas, and everyone once again boarded the awaiting buses. I spoke with a friend the day after, he said with a sigh, “I am still on a high from Diner en Blanc”.

It was a magical and enchanting night, filled with good food and great company.