The Ministry of Culture recalls that the Macaya season begins on December 21 and ends on January 6.

"Makaya in the Kikongo language of the African civilization of the Bantu,s means "Leaves". In Haiti, the Makaya season is a voodoo period of purification with leaves.

During this period, the voodoo people clean their houses and 'lakou' [common space of several houses] with green leaves. This is also the time when the 'Hougan' [Spiritual leader] and the 'Mambo' [voodoo priestess] bless the leaves which will be used to cure illnesses and the leaves used to chase away evil spirits."

Voodoo practitioners perform a purifying bath to welcome the new year, eliminate negative energies and attract positive energies of the new year.

The Ministry of Culture wishes everyone, and vaudouisants in particular, happy Makaya !

IH/ iciHaiti