Overview:
On Feb. 1-2, an initiative led by Vodou chief Vélina Elysée Charlier and Laetitia Brandt, known as “Zen Ayiti”—an idea rooted in Japanese traditions and tradition that emphasizes meditation to attain enlightenment and well-being—came about at El Rancho within the bustling suburb of Pétion-Ville, Port-au-Prince. Guided by varied wellness and spirituality consultants, over 2,000 individuals attended and took part in a singular and immersive expertise of peace and serenity in the course of the two-day occasion.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — “The actions have been elegant, and the exhibitors did a fantastic job. I particularly loved the electrifying efficiency of the group ‘Nanm’ and the second when the Lakou Souvnans empress danced with the group.”
That’s how Kedler Saint-Hilaire, a graphic designer and trend artist, described his expertise on the fourth version of Zen Ayiti on Feb. 2. The annual occasion, devoted to selling psychological well-being, serenity, and religious stability, drew over 2,000 contributors to Port-au-Prince.
Since its launch in 2018, Zen Ayiti has offered an area for Haitians to give attention to their psychological well being and internal peace. The 2025 version, held from Feb. 1 to 2, was no exception.
Certainly, proper on the entrance of Resort El Rancho, the place the wellness and religious truthful occurred, the ambiance was inviting, with uplifting messages on embellished partitions, placards and poster boards. Strolling down the aisles, soothing music performed within the background, instantly placing friends in a state of leisure. Alongside the resort courtyard was an array of detox juices and natural meals stands that provided wholesome refreshments and meals. As attendees walked additional, they discovered dozens of specialised exhibitors showcasing wellness and spirituality merchandise, whereas a delegated kids’s nook allowed younger guests to benefit from the expertise as nicely.
Just like the contributors and curious guests, organizers Vélina Élysée Charlier, empress of the sacred Vodou stronghold Lakou Souvnans in Gonaïves, and publicist Laetitia Brandt have been completely satisfied that Pétion-Ville’s clear skies and a tranquil setting allowed Zen Ayiti to offer the right surroundings for reconnecting with oneself and embracing religious therapeutic.
“I’m thrilled and grateful to have realized this occasion,” mentioned Vélina Elysée Charlier, empress of sacred Vodou temple Lakou Souvnans in Gonaïves, the principal metropolis of the Artibonite Division.
“With Laetitia Brandt, we created Zen Ayiti to lift consciousness of psychological well-being. We thought it was necessary to get the yr off to begin.”
To additional discover Zen Ayiti’s mission, Charlier shared insights into the occasion’s origin and aims in an interview with The Haitian Instances and highlighted the significance of getting Zen Ayiti proper in the beginning of the yr.
Workshops and different actions promote holistic well-being
Attendees participated in meditation and yoga workshops, listened to inspiring lectures and engaged in inventive actions to foster self-care and mindfulness.
Many contributors, like Kedler Saint-Hilaire, expressed their satisfaction and pleasure. “I benefited drastically from the completely different displays,” Saint-Hilaire instructed The Haitian Instances. “I additionally had the prospect to style meals from all of the distributors and purchased a number of merchandise. I hope Zen Ayiti retains bettering, however I really loved it.”
Greater than 23 conferences came about in the course of the 2-day occasion, together with hands-on therapeutic classes. Folks visited therapy rooms that provided massages, tarot readings, and palmistry, guiding friends by historical divination practices. A devoted useful resource middle offered entry to psychologists whereas native artisans and holistic healers showcased their merchandise.
Moreover, necromancy and palm studying classes attracted these curious to discover the magical and the unknown. These classes allowed contributors to familiarize themselves with historical practices and uncover what the longer term may maintain for them by palm studying. Consequently, these actions added a religious factor dimension to the occasion, providing a holistic expertise of well-being, mixing physique, thoughts and soul.
Max Domerçant, CEO of Maxage, an organization specializing in therapeutic massage remedy, offered his guide, “Le Information du Bien-être Quotidien” (The Information to Every day Effectively-being). His work emphasizes the significance of leisure and wellness in on a regular basis life.
Music and dance take middle stage
Among the many pageant’s highlights have been vibrant dance workshops. The Oriental dance workshop, led by Amalia Maya, captivated audiences with its fluid actions, whereas the Haitian folks dance workshop, led by Pascale Durosier, immersed attendees within the nation’s wealthy cultural custom.
The famend Vodou music group Nanm took the stage to shut the occasion, mixing conventional Haitian rhythms with modern influences. Their efficiency was a celebration of Haiti’s cultural identification and religious heritage.
Nanm concluded their set with Travèse, a track honoring the resilience of those that endured the transatlantic slave commerce whereas paying homage to Haiti’s ancestral energy.
For Emmanuella Marc, CEO of the agricultural firm Zakasol, the occasion was an inspiring expertise. “Zen Ayiti is an exercise that showcases Haitian tradition and spirituality, and I like that. It was good for my psychological well being because it was for others,” she mentioned. “I hope we proceed to ask younger artists and permit those that can’t attend in individual to expertise it on-line.”
In the end, Charlier thanked attendees and companions for his or her help and promised an much more partaking version subsequent yr.