Under the auspices of the Foundation MWÈM and Fastforward, in collaboration with the City of Jacmel, the first editions of the Festival of Friendship was officially launched Wednesday, December 5, 2012 in the gardens of the Hotel Florita in Jacmel.

Several important personalities attended the ceremony, among others: the Mayor of Jacmel Hugues Paul and his deputies, Michelet Divers, Departmental Director of the culture of Southeast, Alain Pamphile, Representative of the Swiss Cooperation, the Canadian Ambassador accredited in Haiti, Paul Normandin and singer and broadcaster Luck Mervil.

This cultural and artistic event, has started at the sound of drums, of youth trained by the foundation "MWÈM", while hundreds of visitors, Haitian and foreign, admired the art galleries where artisans displaying their products.

Michaëlle Jean, UNESCO Special Envoy for Haiti, and Luck Mervil have accepted to be the honorary sponsors of this Festival. Two personalities, carrying well the values, that wishes to convey the Festival of Friendship : support, dedication, listening, sharing, respect and sharing.

Following the disappearance of the very popular festivals "Festival Film Jakmèl" and "Festival Mizik Jakmèl" organized in the city of Jacmel, in previous years, Bayard Jean-Bernard, cultural mediator Jacmélien in collaboration with Tatiana Magloire and Laurence Magloire, decided to take the relay through this new annual festival, international and multidisciplinary unprecedented in the country.

During this event, for 4 days and 4 nights, from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 December 2012, through various sites of the city, including at the French Alliance of Jacmel, Toussaint Louverture Place, Lycée Célie Lamour and even in the streets of the city, visitors will have the opportunity to attend pluridimensional performances : Contemporary art, Music concerts, contemporary dance, movies, craft fair etc...

The Friendship Festival is an opportunity for artists coming all over Haiti and outside to showcase their talent, especially those of Switzerland, Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, the United States, Canada, France, and Martinique.

Note that the first edition of the Festival of Friendship, is supported by the program ARCADES of the European Development Fund and the Swiss Confederation.

Download the program of the Festival of Friendship (PDF) :

https://www.haitilibre.com/images/programme-festival-amitie.pdf

HL/ HaitiLibre / Claudy Bélizaire (Correspondant Jacmel)