For his first day, the Carnival of Flowers has gathered an impressive crowd of several tens of thousands of people, who were able to enjoy in a festive atmosphere rich in colors and music : the bands disguised with original costumes (over 1,500 participants), the parade of queens in convertibles and classic cars and dance all night to the music of 13 music floats, until 3 am... Time where revelers, began to leave the streets to prepare for Monday, to the second day of the Carnival of Flowers.

"The first day of Carnival is a success. Thank you for participating in this event which is an opportunity for us to say to the Diaspora and tourists : Come see us. Ayiti se la pou'w la !" has for his part declared the President Martelly.

Stéphanie Balmir Villedrouin, the Minister of Tourism was satisfied with the progress of the Carnival of Flowers, indicating that flights to Haiti and the hotel were full. Taking advantage of this first day, the Minister announced that it was decided that the last weekend of July of each year, will now be devoted to the Carnival of Flowers, stating that a presidential decree would be issued for this purpose.

Concerning security, 7 people were arrested including 5 escapees from prisons. Jean Renel Sénatus, he Government Commissioner, indicated and the prosecutor of Port-au-Prince, was constantly on the Champ de Mars in order to perform without delay, the tracking of suspects arrested for having contravened the law.

Réginald Delva, the Secretary of State for Public Security, has informed the offenders, that a video surveillance system was implemented to detect, identify and interpellate the authors of any dishonest acts.

Unfortunately, like any large-scale popular event and despite the important measures in place, the first assessment at midnight, reported 47 injured various as well as a shooting death in unclear circumstances. It was also reported to us, the death, following a seizure, of the Inspector Pierre Gérald of the UDMO West.

Follow each day, in video and live, the Carnival of Flowers on HaitiLibre.com, from 3:00 pm

S/ HaitiLibre