Ancestry Day - Honoring Heritage and Resilience

Ancestry Day, observed in Haiti on January 2, is a national holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring the ancestors who fought for Haiti’s independence. Known locally as Jour des Aïeux, the day follows Haiti’s Independence Day on January 1, creating a time for Haitians to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of their forebears. Ancestry Day is a powerful reminder of Haiti’s legacy as the first Black-led republic and the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere, embodying resilience, freedom, and cultural pride.

Celebrated with memorials, family gatherings, and ceremonies, Ancestry Day encourages reflection on the values passed down through generations. For Haitians, this day emphasizes the importance of heritage, family unity, and honoring the ongoing impact of past generations on the present and future.