ARTICLE - CARNIVAL - 300,000 ATTEND

MORE THAN 300,000 PEOPLE CELEBRATED THE 2012 CARNIVAL IN LES CAYES
(Haiti Libre) -

The Presidency of the Republic "notes with great satisfaction the smooth running of 2012 National Carnival in the city of Les Cayes, which has brought together more than 300,000 Haitian and foreign revelers around the theme "Ayiti ap dekole, Okay pran devan", making the city of Les Cayes, the scene of the greatest cultural event throughout the Caribbean in early 2012.

Several factors contributed to the success of this major event in the life of the Haitian people. Firstly, a conclusive discipline, combining traditions, colors, costumes and beauty of stands; fundamental characteristics of Haitian carnival, the quality of performances, the multiplicity of representations and a security provided by the National Police of Haiti, throughout the course with 13 musical floats, 11 allegorical floats, 13 dance schools, a twenty walking bands, along with traditional groups, and more than 2,000 people who gave rhythm to the heart of Carnival. Thanks to news agencies and to the local television channels and of the Diaspora, the live broadcast on the internet has highlighted the festive and original carnival of Les Cayes internationally.

In a statement, "President Martelly, and the First Lady, Sophia Martelly, are pleased to proclaim the generosity and the compassion of the city of Les Cayes, in particular of the citizens, and all the organizers and participants of this popular festival. The Head of State thanks the Haitian population in general, who were able to maintain peace and respect for others throughout this popular event that is so important in the Haitian life."

At a press conference yesterday Tuesday, the Head of State spoke on perspectives for the future of Carnival "...We said it would be good, that next year we have the Carnival in the 10 departments; not in all communes, but that each department has a Carnival [...] There is a budget issue that we must plan, for this to become a reality. Now you are right, do we have enough money to make a carnival in all 10 departments? We could also say that every year there will be three Carnivals, in three departments, and that we will choose the three departments where the authorities have made ​​the most progress... have shown leadership and responsibility [...]"

Answering the question of a responsible of the Carnival in the Dominican Republic on the possible participation next year of Dominican companies in the Carnival of Haiti, the President Martelly pragmatically answered, "Why not [...] it is good for Haiti that companies are investing in our Carnival, and make it stronger so that more tourists will visit our country..."