For the Village of Cabaret in Léogâne, click here.
"Jan ou vini se jan an yo resevwa ou."
The way you come is the way people will receive you.
-Haitian proverb
Cabaret (Kreyol: Kabarè) is a commune in the Western department of Haiti, located on the Arcadian Coast, approximately 27 km (17 miles) north of downtown Port-au-Prince. The town shares a borough with the city of Arcahaie, a place well known for its historical heritage; consequently, Cabaret's history, economy, and culture are closely aligned with those of its larger neighbor. As of the 2015 census, Cabaret had a total population of 68,245.
Location in Haiti
Municipal emblem of Cabaret, Haiti, displaying a shield in national colors.
Etymolygy[]
The term "Cabaret" is thought to originate from Nicolas de Gabaret, a French colonial official who owned a plantation in the area in 1711. The region was also referred to as Cazale or Casale, likely stemming from "kay Zalewski," which translates to "home of Zalewski," in reference to Polish soldiers who settled there during the 19th century (1800s).
Founded in 1880, it was renamed Duvalierville in 1960 after Haiti's totalitarian former president Jean Claude Duvalier. In 1986, its original name was restored.
History[]
Precolonial Period[]
Prior to European colonization, the lands now recognized as Cabaret were home to the Taíno people, the original inhabitants of Hispaniola. They practiced agriculture, fishing, and trade, coexisting harmoniously with the natural resources of the region. The arrival of Europeans in the late 15th century brought about considerable upheaval in Taíno society.
Colonial Era[]
Throughout the colonial era, the French established plantations in the area, relying on enslaved Africans for labor. In 1792, a fort was erected in Cabaret, underscoring its strategic significance. The region was engaged in various military confrontations, including the defense against the Cacos in 1868 and assaults during the presidency of Lysius Félicité Salomon in 1889.
Municipal history
Cabaret's first settlers called the area Boucassin, a rural section which housed what was then the small, ragged village of Cabaret. Originally a military post, Cabaret was incorporated as a district by the Northern provisional government on August 3, 1880, from portions of Arcahaie. In 1889, it became a commune. The commune was reincorporated in 1961 as Duvalierville until its original name was restored in 1986.
Cabaret Central Park
Historical timeline[]
• In March 1792, Lapointe built a fort here.
• In 1868, a military line established from Cabaret to Orangers, commanded by the generals Saint-Fort and Sénat Gervais, was vigorously defended by the troops of the Government of 9President Salnave against the Cacos.
• In July 1889, the northerners attacked the troops of 14President Légitime in Cabaret; But General Dardignac pushed them back.
Geography[]
Location of Cabaret Village, on Route Nationale 1
According to the IHSI, the commune has a total area of 202.36 square kilometers (78.13 mi²), of which 200.62 which square kilometers (77.54 mi²) is rural and 1.74 square kilometers (0.67 mi²) (0.87%) is urban. Cabaret is located beside Port-au-Prince Bay and the Gulf of Gonâve. Cabaret's shoreline is divided in half by a headland, which divides the harbor at Lafiteau to the south from the bay at Boucassin to the north. The city lies at the mouth of the Bretelle River, and is also home to the Torcelle River. These two rivers roughly form the boundary of Cabaret's urban section, Ville de Cabaret.
More than one-quarter of the commune's land is covered by the Chaine des Matheux mountains, which take up much of the land in the northeastern part of the town. The town is also home to several beach resorts, as well as a recently opened international port at Lafiteau.
Cabaret is located in the northwestern corner of the Western Department and is 31 km (19 miles) northwest of Port-au-Prince and 62 km (38 miles) southeast of Saint-Marc. The city is bordered by Arcahaie to the north, Saut-d'Eau to the northeast, and Croix-des-Bouquets to the east. Port-au-Prince Bay and the Gulf of Gonâve bathe the commune respectively to the south and to the west.
Cabaret's water rights extend into Port-au-Prince Bay to Simple Plaisir Island, also known as Isle Cacique and the only connection is by ferry across the channel. Besides its downtown district and Boucassin, Cabaret is also divided into Source Matelas and Fond-des-Blancs, which are further divided into even smaller areas.
Its climate is cool. Its inhabitants are called Cabaretains.
Cabaret
Neighborhoods
| CAB | Cabaret | 68,245 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VCT | Ville de Cabaret | Urban | 59,956 | ||
| BSN | 1ère Section Boucassin | Rural | 849 | Bayelle, Bellanger, Cocombre, Damier, Deschapell, Dos-Dameau, Duclos, Guiton, Hatte-Gérard, Hatte-Torcelle, Nan Baré, Prince, Royal, Sabourin, Terre Chaude. | |
| BCS | 2ème Section Boucassin | Rural section | 3,022 | La Baudry, Léveque, Malingre, Manège, Vignier. | |
| SMT | 3ème Section Source Matelas | Rural | 1,798 | Aubry, Fond-Mombin, La Fiteau, Latanier, Merceron, Minoterie, Simonette, Source-Matelas, Saint-Christophe, Tangnin, Ti Chouloupe, Valembrun. | |
| FDB | 4ème Section Fonds-des-Blancs (Casale) | Rural | 2,620 | Bélac, Bercy, Bousmat, Ca Mori, Casale, Casouka, Contenso, Dessables, Dos-Betel, Duni, Fond-Blanc, Fond-Major, Galgal, Germain, Gondoyer, Lamy, Laurier, Limet, Machicot, Maille, Mare-Zaboca, Nan Fou, Oranger, Pisa, Platon-Ti Marre, Régnier, Savanne-Marotte, Sophie, Tigouin, Torcelle. |
Demography
| Year | Population | +/- |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 72,225 | |
| 2009 | 62,063 | -14% |
| 2015 | 68,245 | +10% |
Palace Cinema, Cabaret, Haiti
Economy[]
Casale
The corridor between Titanyen and Cabaret along National Route 1 is one of the fastest growing regions of Haiti. Since the 2010 earthquake, over 200,000 individuals have moved into nearby locations such as Canaan, Onanville, and Jerusalem within the Croix Des Bouquets commune, and this expansion is moving northward along National Route 1 towards central Cabaret. This corridor serves as a significant zone for tourism and economic growth. The coastline features several beach resorts, and an international port has recently been inaugurated in Lafiteau, alongside the establishment of a 300-hectare industrial park. Two companies, CINA and Topline Materials, which specialize in aggregates and construction materials, are currently operating in this corridor. Additionally, USAID has made investments in two residential neighborhoods within the development corridor.
In terms of Economic and Financial Infrastructures, the commune of Cabaret features a hotel, a pension, six restaurants, a credit union, and two marketing cooperatives. The primary economic activities in the municipality are agriculture and commerce. The commercial and economic landscape of Cabaret includes three large shops, eight food supply centers, seven depots, two gas stations, two photocopying services, a mortuary, two funeral chapels, and three dry cleaning establishments.
Lafiteau International Port
Infrastructure[]
Transportation[]
Located around 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of Port-au-Prince, Cabaret serves as an essential connection between the capital and the northern regions, and is supported by a comprehensive transportation network. Route Nationale 1, the main highway, links Port-au-Prince to northern Haiti and runs through Cabaret. This route facilitates the transportation of people and goods, including access to Lafiteau Port. Route Départementale 115 (RD 115) is a 43-kilometer (27-mile) regional road that connects Cabaret to La Chapelle. It crosses various landscapes, such as rivers and mountains, improving access to rural areas. Route 114 is similar but shorter at 31 kilometers (19 miles), linking to Saut d'Eau.
Public Transportation[]
The vibrant shared minibuses known as Tap-Taps are the primary means of public transport. They follow fixed routes but will only leave once they are full. Passengers have the flexibility to get off at any point along the route. As of July 2018, the fare from Port-au-Prince to Cabaret was 45 Haitian Gourdes (US $0.34), which reflects a 50% increase due to rising fuel costs.
⚓Port Access[]
Near Cabaret Village, Lafiteau Port is an industrial port that plays a crucial role in Haiti's maritime trade. It has been in operation since the 2010 earthquake, aiding in the import and export of goods.
✈️ Air Travel[]
Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) is located about 35 kilometers south of Cabaret and serves as Haiti's primary international gateway. However, recent gang-related incidents have resulted in temporary shutdowns and flight cancellations.
Cap-Haïtien International Airport (CAP) is located approximately 113 kilometers (70 miles) north of Cabaret, providing an alternative for international flights.
Cabaret National School
Education
The Ministry of National Education for Youth and Sports has a school inspection office located in the commune of Cabaret. There are nineteen kindergartens, comprising eighteen private ones and one that is congregational. Additionally, at the primary level, several schools have been recorded, including eight public schools, several private institutions, and a congregational school. At the secondary level, there is a public school along with several private schools, five vocational schools, and nine literacy centers identified within the municipality.
Health
CINA and Port facility
The Ministry of Public Health and Population has a municipal health office in the Cabaret commune. The health services in the municipality are provided by fourteen doctors, two dentists, four nurses, eleven auxiliaries, three certified matrons, and three laboratory technicians.
Utilities
In terms of water resources, the town of Cabaret boasts features six rivers, four springs, 71 wells, and public fountains. The town center, along with several surrounding areas, has access to electricity.
Security
For Administrative and Judiciary Infrastructures, the commune has recorded one police station, two peace courts, and a registry office.
Culture and Heritage[]
Eglise Notre Dame Du Mont Carmel
Cabaret is a vibrant cultural hub located in Arcahaie Borough of Haiti, which is part of the West department. This area is rich in festive and musical events, showcasing the lively spirit of the local community. The traditions here are deeply rooted, often serving as a source of inspiration for ceremonies that pay homage to ancestors. Visitors can enjoy a diverse array of artistic performances that take place in public spaces, creating an engaging atmosphere filled with good nature and celebration. The commune is conveniently accessible from the capital city, Port-au-Prince, making it an easy destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. As a result, Cabaret has become a popular spot for tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Religion[]
On the side of religion, 38 temples (including chapels) were counted in the commune of Cabaret. The Catholic and Baptist churches appear to be more numerous, being respectively seven and eight in total.
Communication[]
The commune has a telephone office, a postal office and also has a press service that issues a magazine every month. A very good portion of the town is electrified, it has a telephone service, and a newspaper / magazine service. However, there is no radio station or television station.
Leisure[]
As for leisure, the town of Cabaret has no library or museum. It has a theater that also serves as a movie theater. Football (soccer) and basketball are the sports practiced in the municipality of Cabaret. Six nightclubs and ten gaguères complete the Cabarétans' leisure areas. There are several sites in the town of Cabaret. They are of natural, colonial and historical origin, yet they are not all arranged and / or maintained to receive visitors.
🎉 Festivals and Celebrations[]
This significant cultural event, Haitian Carnival, features parades, music, and dancing. It acts as a stage for social and political expression, with participants often using this time to share their collective feelings and hopes. The carnival promotes community unity and highlights the artistic skills of the nation.
The Vodou festival Fèt Gede pays tribute to the spirits of the deceased, known as "Gede." Celebrated with offerings, music, and rituals, Fèt Gede is a moment for reflection and connection with ancestors. It emphasizes the significance of spirituality and respect for ancestors in Haitian culture.
Organizations[]
The commune has one representation of political party, a womens group, three popular organizations, one non-commercial cooperative, and one NGO.
- Sources Matelas Haiti An Avan is a group of individuals from Sources-Matelas, Haiti, now living abroad, dedicated to improving their homeland's future.
- Remar Haiti combats food insecurity, offering meals, nutritional education, volunteer opportunities, and economic development through training in cooking and agriculture.
- Hope Center of Medicine is committed to provide quality healthcare with a holistic approach to the people of Cabaret, Haiti and the surrounding area. They also conduct general health education sessions to promote healthy lifestyles.
- The Cabaret Haiti Mission (CHM) is a Christ-centered organization that focuses on providing health care, education, employment, and spiritual guidance to the local community.
- Help4Haiti collaborates with local communities in Cabaret to address environmental and economic challenges. They are involved in sustainable agriculture projects, such as the establishment of a BonZeb farm that utilizes elephant grass to produce eco-friendly charcoal. This initiative aims to create jobs, revitalize the land, and support local infrastructure like schools and medical clinics.
- Haiti Reads supports literacy and education. They also offer CPR instruction and resources to learn Haitian Creole.
- Architects Without Borders worked on a project that integrated sustainable design with traditional Haitian concepts, while focusing on environmental sustainability through solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and natural waste disposal systems.
- Community of Hope Church does missions that include rebuilding church structures, offering leadership seminars, conducting marriage conferences, and organizing children's programs. They also engage in community outreach to build relationships and share spiritual support.
Lifestyle[]
Life has been quite challenging for the residents of Cabaret, one of the two towns that make up the Borough of Arcahaie in the West Department. Approximately 65,000 individuals reside in this town, and over the years, they have encountered numerous difficulties, including fatalities and disasters.
In 2010, a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, claiming tens of thousands of lives, and Cabaret became a site for mass graves for the victims, particularly near Titanyen, a settlement within Cabaret. Certain areas of the fields were selected to serve as resting places for the deceased.
The small industrial town of Lafiteau, situated to the south of Titanyen, played a crucial role in the relief efforts following the earthquake. It was the primary docking point for ships delivering aid to those impactedby the disaster.
In addition to the challenges posed by natural disasters, Cabaret has a history marked by violence during the Duvalier regime. Reports indicate that many residents fell victim to the oppressive dictatorship of "Papa Doc" and "Baby Doc" Duvalier. Nevertheless, following the fall of the Duvaliers, the people of Cabaret reportedly experienced less violence. In fact, they exhibited minimal violence when the dictators' rule came to an end. Cabaret is also recognized as a center for the achievements of the Duvaliers.
References[]
Place Publique De Cabaret terre choude - Obenne Derisier, Local guide [1]
Palace Cinema - To the stars 1 [2]
Lafito Port - Ivan Totev [3]
School National De Cabaret - Henri Frantz Cajuste [4]
Eglise Notre Dame Du Mont Carmel - Willy VILSON / INHEADEP [5]
Profile page- Mairie De Cabaret [6]
Michael Vedrine