By Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Each January 1, as dawn breaks over Haiti, the aroma of simmering pumpkin soup wafts through neighborhoods, telling a story of resistance and triumph. Soup Joumou, once forbidden to enslaved people under French colonial rule, now serves as the centerpiece of Haiti’s Independence Day celebrations, marking 221 years since the nation became the world’s first Black republic.

This soup represents everything we fought for. Every spoonful carries the taste of freedom.

The golden-hued soup, rich with beef, vegetables, and Caribbean pumpkin, was once exclusively reserved for French plantation owners. After defeating Napoleon Bonaparte’s forces in 1804, Haitians claimed the dish as their own, transforming it from a symbol of oppression into one of liberation.

Today, the ritual of preparing and sharing Soup Joumou bridges generations. Families gather before sunrise to carefully craft the soup, following time-honored recipes passed down through centuries. The communal nature of the dish embodies Haiti’s national motto, “L’Union Fait La Force” — Unity Makes Us Stronger.

As Haiti navigates modern challenges, this New Year’s tradition remains unwavering, serving as both celebration and remembrance. Each bowl of Soup Joumou tells a story of resilience, carrying forward the legacy of a revolution that changed the world