Overview:
Vodou practitioners gathered at the cemetery in Ouanaminthe, in Haiti’s Northeast Department, on Nov. 1, 2026, for Fèt Gede. The celebration included offerings, songs, dances and performances, including one by the local group Grann Bataklan.
OUANAMINTHE, Haiti— Across Haiti, Nov. 1 and 2 bring gatherings to cemeteries as communities observe days dedicated to remembering the dead. In certain areas, the Fèt Gede observances extend throughout November, featuring daily tributes, traditional music and spiritual rituals.
In Ouanaminthe, in Haiti’s Northeast Department, practitioners kicked off the month at the town cemetery on Nov. 1 for songs, dances and performances honoring the spirits. Devotees of the Gédé—spirits belonging to Kafou, or four corner street — gathered at the cemetery to be part of the observance. The local group Grann Bataklan joined the festivities with songs, dances and other performances centered around this spiritual tradition.
The photographs and video capture moments from the gathering, including offerings, family visits and performances at the cemetery.
1. Coffee offering —
Merisier Denia gives coffee to visitors at the Ouanaminthe cemetery during the Fèt Gede celebration on Nov. 1, 2026. She says she brought the coffee in honor of the Gede. Video by Edxon Francisque for The Haitian Times.
Grann Bataklan performance
The Ouanaminthe-based group Grann Bataklan performs at the town cemetery during the Fèt Gede celebration on Nov. 1, 2026. Photo by Edxon Francisque for The Haitian Times.
The Ouanaminthe-based group Grann Bataklan performs at the town cemetery during the Fèt Gede celebration on Nov. 1, 2026. Photo by Edxon Francisque for The Haitian Times.
The Ouanaminthe-based group Grann Bataklan performs at the town cemetery during the Fèt Gede celebration on Nov. 1, 2026. Photo by Edxon Francisque for The Haitian Times.
Children follow the tradition at the cemetery
The children accompany their parents to the Ouanaminthe cemetery during the Fèt Gede observance on Nov. 1, 2026. Photo by Edxon Francisque for The Haitian Times.
The children accompany their parents to the Ouanaminthe cemetery during the Fèt Gede observance on Nov. 1, 2026. Photo by Edxon Francisque for The Haitian Times.
A woman holding a bottle filled with chili peppers during a performance at the Ouanaminthe cemetery during the Fèt Gede celebration on Nov. 1, 2026. Photo by Edxon Francisque for The Haitian Times.
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Edxon Francisque is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in radio broadcasting. His experiences in radio diffusion include serving as a correspondent for Radio Nationale d’Haiti 105.3 FM and contributing to Radio Tele Kalalou International, an online media platform. Additionally, he has showcased his skills as a presenter for the journal Alliance Actualité at Radio Alliance Ouanaminthe.
Regarding academic pursuits, Edxon studied Economics at the State University of Haiti, demonstrating his commitment to a well-rounded education. Furthermore, he completed professional studies in journalism at the Ecole Professionnelle de Ouanaminthe in 2020. He has also engaged in communication studies at the Alliance Francaise branch in the North, annex Fort-Liberte.
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