Top5 Amazing Facts About Haiti That Will Shock You

In this article we will discover amazing facts about Haiti. Haiti has unique cultural facts, such as zombies once being legal, a cookie made of clay, and specific gestures having different meanings. Women participate in a ritual at a waterfall for rebirth. So let’s know about Haiti.

5) Eye Contact

One of the amazing facts about Haiti is that In the US, eye contact shows confidence and respect, but in Haiti, it can be offensive or threatening. Many Haitians believe that eyes can reveal thoughts and influence energy, making prolonged eye contact rude. Instead of looking directly at each other, Haitians may bow their heads slightly or smile briefly to avoid crossing social boundaries.

Pointing fingers while speaking, a typical practice in the West, is seen as offensive in Haiti, where it is viewed as giving orders or disrupting spiritual balance. A survey showed that over 60% of Haitians value body language more than words and believe eye contact can be harmful if misused.

4) Mud Cookies

One of the amazing facts about Haiti is that in Haiti, a unique snack called “gallet doo,” made from sun-dried clay, has become popular. These cookies are created using sifted clay, salt, and margarine or lard, then rolled into shapes and dried in the sun for several days. In a time of severe food shortages, affecting around 4.9 million Haitians, these cookies have become a vital source of sustenance for many families.

For Haitians, gallet doo represents pride and resilience. Some pregnant women believe the clay offers beneficial minerals. While tourists may find the concept unusual, it challenges the idea of what authentic cuisine can be. If you ever visit Haiti, would you dare try a dirt-flavored cookie?

3) TapTap Bus

One of the amazing facts about Haiti is that Haiti’s TapTap buses are known as the world’s most colorful taxis. Unlike New York’s yellow cabs or London’s black taxis, each TapTap features bright murals of pop stars, icons, and religious themes. Inside, passengers enjoy live music, drumming, and the aroma of street food.

TapTaps are not just transportation; they offer a mini concert and serve as community spaces. They are seen as good luck charms, with slogans for safe travels. A 2022 survey showed that over 80% of visitors found riding a TapTap to be the most lively way to experience the city, with its vibrant chaos and music reflecting the true spirit of Haiti.

2) World’s Largest Solar Powered Hospital

One of the amazing facts about Haiti is that the world’s largest solar-powered hospital is located in Haiti, a country often associated with hardship. The University Demira Hospital, opened in 2013 after the devastating 2010 earthquake, provides hope and health care to a nation where 75% of hospitals are closed or lack medicine.

It features 1,800 solar panels, generating over 260,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which is enough for the hospital and contributes to the national grid. Despite Haiti’s low GDP, this green hospital offers high-quality care, modern operating rooms, and affordable maternal services. The hospital is a beacon of resilience, where stories of survival are shared and lives are saved daily.

1) Zombies

One of the amazing facts about Haiti is that Haitian law recognizes that zombies are real, not just a part of movies or jokes. Since 1835, a clause in the Haitian criminal code states that if a person declared dead returns in a not fully alive state, they are no longer considered a legal person. This belief stems from vodu traditions where a sorcerer can separate a soul from the body, creating a legal zombie.

In Haiti, especially in rural areas, many believe in this state of mind control. While becoming a zombie is not a crime, turning someone into one is seen as premeditated murder. A famous case in 1980 involved Clarevius Narcissis, who returned after 18 years. If someone declared dead came back, would you let them back into society? Share your thoughts below.