World Day of African Culture and People of African Descent in Venezuela

On January 24, 2026, His Excellency Ambassador Jean Mary Vaval of the Republic of Haiti was in Afinque de Marín, in the San Agustín parish of the Libertador municipality of Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, to celebrate World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture, established by UNESCO in 2019 to honor the richness of African cultures and their descendants. This date coincides with the adoption of the Charter for the African Cultural Renaissance on January 24, 2006. It was an honor for the Ambassador to witness Afro-Venezuelans celebrating their roots, which are also those of Haitians and are manifested in almost every aspect of Haitian culture: music, dance, religion, gastronomy, and even language, since Haitian Creole retains many words and structures from African languages.

We can affirm that this connection transcends mere colonial history: it is nourished by cultural roots, ethnic affinities, and a shared heritage born from the struggle for freedom. Throughout history, through the African diaspora, Haiti has become a symbol of resilience and pride for Black people, particularly for many African and Afro-descendant communities around the world.