On Friday, April 17, 2026, the Grand North region officially launched the René Depestre Centennial Year celebrations with the opening of an exhibition about the author at the Musée de la Monnaie (Museum of the Mint) in Cap-Haïtien.

Through informational panels, the public was able to trace the literary and political trajectory of the author of "Alléluia pour une femme-jardin" (Hallelujah for a Woman-Garden).

During his address, Marc Exavier, National Coordinator of the Year of Celebrations, announced the recent publication of a re-edition of Depestre's complete poetic works, titled "Rage de vivre" (Rage to Live), which had appeared in the French press.

Alteery Maxi Marc, Director of the Alliance Française of Cap-Haïtien, emphasized the importance of reading for young people, while also discussing Depestre's work.

Ms. Stephania Duchel, speaking on behalf of Ernst Saint Louis, Director General of the National Book Directorate (DNL), thanked the partner institutions that contributed to the event. She also reiterated the DNL's commitment to its noble mission of promoting books and reading throughout the country.

The event was enhanced by a reading of texts by Micken Jeanite and Billy Desir.

Musical entertainment was provided by the jazzy group Stars 262.

Among the guests were Fritz Alphonse Jean, former Presidential Transitional Advisor; Ms. Angélique Jules Verdilus, Director of the Mint Museum; and Alteiery Maxi Marc, Director of the Alliance Française.

The René Depestre centennial celebration, which began on August 29, 2025, will end on August 29, 2026.

Discover three games dedicated to Haitian literature at : https://quiz.haitilibre.com/en menu Haiti "Literature".

IH/ iciHaiti