Folie at Canne a Sucre!!

The 19th Edition of Livres en Folie at the historical Parc Canne a Sucre.

Livres en Folie
created in 1995 is the biggest book fair in Haiti. An initiative of UNIBank and Le Nouvelliste, the now annual event, is an opportunity for book enthusiast and writer to connect.

One-hundred twenty-nine authors participated, with approximately 1,436 titles available for purchase.

This year's guest of honor; writer, journalist, professor
Lionel Trouillot.

This was the first year guest were asked to pay an entry fee, but this did not seem to deter the thousands who showed up. Parents with children in tow, school groups, celebrities; everyone was here! With most of the country closed for the religious observance of Corpus Christi, Livres en Folie was the hottest ticket in town!

This was not just another "outing". People patiently waited on long lines, placing orders and actually buying books! I was thrilled to see the enthusiasm, especially in the younger generation.

It is evident, whatever is happening in Haiti, its youth wants more.

There is an undeniable thirst for knowledge.

As I sat and took in the activity around me, of course I couldn't help but notice the fashion. We are all taught, early on, that when going out one must always be bien abyé. I could see the way fashion was being used with a definite intent on self expression. There were the hipsters, the B-ballers, the artsy crew. Mixing traditional with the modern. A definite Haitian Flava