January 1st ~ Independence Day in Haiti and Sudan

January 1st ~ Independence Day In Haiti

On January 1st, Independence Day is celebrated in Haiti because they gained Independence from France in 1804. However, since this holiday is on New Year's Day, they still celebrate it all the same as everyone else. Like other countries, most of the partying takes place the day before, on New Year's Eve, therefore, by January 1st, most people are still hungover and have no desire to celebrate too much. Therefore, most people even up watching televised parades or seeing fireworks light up the sky. Speeches are also made often and, of course, they have their native feast traditions! A couple of other traditions include reciting the national anthem, dancing, and singing.

The History of Independence Day

The French came to Haiti and settled in Hispaniola during the 16th century. The French colony of Saint-Domingue was founded in the middle of the 16th century (1659). By 1788, there were over 700,00 people working as slaves. There was no medical care, fine shelter no food or appropriate water, or decent clothing throughout the duration of the periods. It was later known as the most brutal-efficient colony in Haiti. It was named "The Pearl of the Antilles". On August 21, 1791, the workers went on a murder spree. Killing plantation owners and the plantations themself. In just 2 months, about 4,000 white people were killed off and 180 plantations got destroyed during this time. Later in the year, the whites started to fight back which killed 15,000 black people. The slaves began to demand their freedom from slavery. The slaves got their freedom for a while until later on when the French tries to reinstate slavery once again.

In 1803, on November 18th, the Battle of Vertières occurred which was successful in creating their Independence. January 1st, 1804, Haiti received its independence from France. From there, Haiti has then declared the first independent nation that was led by a black colony.


On February 4, 1794, the French National Convention declared the abolition of slavery in all French colonies. However, this didn’t bring about instant transformation as the French later attempted to reimpose slavery, leading to another revolt in 1802. On November 18, 1803, the final battle that secured victory for the bondsmen occurred, called the ‘Battle of Vertières,’ which marked the first-ever successful slave revolt to lead to the creation of an independent state.

Summary

Celebrating activities: Parades, speeches, fireworks display, feasts, parties
Celebrating country: HAITI
Foods eaten: New Year's Soup (made with squash), soup Joumou (pumpkin soup)

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Independence Day in Sudan

Independence Day is a national holiday in Sudan. They celebrate it on the first of January since the year of1956 which is the year that Sudan gained their independence from Great Britain and Egypt. On this day, the National Anthem of South Sudan is recited and businesses and schools are closed so everyone can celebrate and spend time with friends and their loved ones. They also have their traditional feast with Asseeda (a special type of dough - most of the ingredients for this will be listed down below near the bottom of the page), Kisra (fermented bread), and Moukhbaza (bananas and hot peppers).

The History

Starting in 1822, part of Sudan was under the authority of Egypt and the other part was ruled by Great Britain. Later on, the British requested to reunite it all which they agreed upon and began under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Pasha. From 1924 to 1956, Sudan was then taken back by the British and turned into two different territories. The fight and march for independence began in 1952 during the revolution in Egypt and they declared their independence on December 19, 1955. On January 1st of 1956, the ceremony for Sudan's Independence had begun and the Egypt and British flags were lowered and removed as the Sudan flag was in place by Ismail al-Azhari.

Summary

Celebrating activities: the National Anthem of South Sudan is recited, a feast, rallies and parades, and any other parties or events
Country celebrating: SUDAN
Foods eaten: Moukhbaza (made with mashed bananas and hot peppers), Kisra (thin fermented bread), Asseeda (dough made of water, yogurt, salt, sunflower oil, flour with chicken broth which is made from cooked chicken, water, some salt and pepper, garlic, onions, cumin, cilantro, and cardamoms

Subject to edits by the instructor