History of Soup Joumou

Soup Joumou is one of the most important cultural and historical symbols of Haiti.

It is much more than a delicious pumpkin soup it is a dish of freedom, dignity, and independence.

🌱 During Slavery

In colonial times, enslaved Africans were forbidden from eating Soup Joumou.

It was considered a “dish for the French masters,” served only to the elite.

The enslaved people cultivated the vegetables, prepared the broth, and cooked the meals — yet they were not allowed to taste it.

Soup Joumou became a symbol of oppression, as well as a reminder of everything Haitians were denied.

🇭🇹 January 1st, 1804 — The Birth of a Tradition

When Haiti won its independence on January 1st, 1804, defeating Napoleon’s army and becoming the first Black republic, something extraordinary happened.

To celebrate freedom, Haitians prepared and shared Soup Joumou for the very first time as free people.

It was a bold statement:

“We are free, and we can now enjoy what was once forbidden to us.”

Since that day, Soup Joumou has been eaten on January 1st every year to honor:

• the ancestors who fought for liberty
• the courage of the Haitian Revolution
• the unity and resilience of the Haitian people

🌍 UNESCO Recognition

On December 16, 2021, Soup Joumou was officially added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This recognition celebrates its long history and its role in Haitian identity and collective memory.

What Soup Joumou Represents Today?

 freedom

• unity
• hope
• Haitian pride
• resilience

Every bowl reminds Haitians of their ancestors’ victory and the nation’s powerful legacy.

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Difference Between Haitian Tonmtonm and African Foutou (Fufu)

Haitian and African cuisine are gastronomic treasures that highlight local ingredients and preparation techniques passed down through generations. 

Among the most popular dishes of both cuisines, Haitian Tonmtonm and African Foutou (or Fufu) are distinguished by their rich flavors and unique textures. These two dishes, although they share a similar foundation the use of local products such as cassava or plantain - have interesting differences, especially in their preparation, taste and accompaniment.

Tonmtonm is a simple but delicious Haitian dish. Breadfruit, a staple food in Haiti, is first boiled to release its flavor, then pounded by hand in a mortar and pestle, a step that requires strength and patience. This preparation process, often performed by several family members, represents a moment of sharing and passing on culinary traditions. Sometimes seasoned with pepper, garlic, or other light spices, Tonmtonm takes on a mild, subtle, and slightly spicy flavor.

Its texture is firm but soft, creating a dense purée that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Tonmtonm is often served with okra sauce (or Sòs kalalou), a slightly acidic and spicy sauce, which brings a richness of flavors and pairs harmoniously with the pounded breadfruit.

It is often accompanied by savory meats, such as beef or pork. Crabs can also be a traditional accompaniment, bringing a maritime touch and a delicious contrast to the dense texture of Tonmtonm.

Foutou, or Fufu, is an iconic dish in African cuisine, particularly popular in Côte d’IVoire. It is prepared from plantain, which can be used ripe or unripe, and cassava boiled together and then pounded to a smooth, elastic consistency. The pounding process gives Foutou a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich sauces of African cuisine.

Foutou is often served with spicy sauces such as sauce graine (a palm nut-based sauce), or other meat and vegetable sauces, and is commonly eaten in the central and eastern regions of Côte d’IVoire. This dish is an essential accompaniment to many meals, providing a neutral but nourishing base for the sauces and meats that accompany it.

Alexandre Sabès Pétion (1807-1818)

• 3rd Head of State:
  March 1807- March 1818
• Term of office:
  11 years
• Age at investiture:
  36 years old
• Major events:
  Farmers are paid for the first time (1807) /
  Distribution of approximately 100,000 ha of land (1809-1814)
  Creation of Haitian currency (1811)
  Institution of the presidency for life (1816)
  Institution of the councils of Notables (1817)
  Creation of the Chamber of Deputies (1817)
  Establishment of the Court of Cassation (1817)

Henri Christophe 

 (1806-1820)

• 2nd Head of State:
  December 1806-October 1820
• Term of office:
  14 years and 10 months
• Age at inauguration:
  39 years old
• Major events:
  Minting of a silver coin (1807)
  Construction of the Laferrière citadel (1807-1820)
  Construction of the Sans-Souci palace, Milot (1811)
  Distribution of land to veterans of the Army of the North (1819)

First Head of State of Haiti – Founder of Independence

Overview

• Term: January 1804 – October 1806 (2 years 6 months)
• Age at inauguration: 45 years old
• Title: Governor-General for life (1804), later Emperor Jacques I (1804 – 1806)

Major Events

• 1804: Massacre of the French colonists who remained in Haiti
• 1805: Proclamation of the Empire and promulgation of Haiti’s first Constitution
• 1805: Military campaign against French forces in the East.

Personal Profile

• Born enslaved in Grande Rivière du Nord (1758).
• Skilled as a carpenter and potter.
• A courageous soldier but known for harshness and cruelty.
• Sober man: did not drink wine, gamble, or indulge in rich food—lived on local staples.
• Fond of dance and festivities.

Rise to Power

• Promoted to General of Division under Toussaint Louverture.
• After the defection of French troops (1802), he reorganized the indigenous army.
• Led the War of Independence and secured French surrender in 1803.
• Proclaimed Haiti’s independence on January 1, 1804, at Gonaïves.

His Rule

• Governed with force, concentrating all power in his hands.
• Introduced Haiti’s first Constitution (May 20, 1805).
• Created an embryonic administration and reorganized the economy.
• Imposed trade restrictions (limited exports, property revisions, state controls).
• His reign was marked by suspicion, repression, and strong centralization.

Downfall and Death

• October 1806: Uprisings in Les Cayes, Aquin, and Port-au-Prince.
• October 17, 1806: Dessalines was ambushed and killed at Pont Larnage, near Port-au-Prince.