The city of Léogâne builds a great part of the history of Haiti. Besides its phenomenon “Rara”, which becomes the biggest and the only Haitian cultural event, various great political figures were given birth there. Many historical events did also happen there.
The only Haitian queen or Cacique “Anacaona” was born there. Anacaona was the only queen who had governed two Caciquats at the same time. Until now, her house “Grotte Anacaona” is still an historical monument sparking the interests of visitors, tourists, and historians alike.
The wife of Haiti’s first emperor was also born there. In fact, Marie Claire Heureuse was so deeply in love with the city that she convinced Jean-Jacques Dessalines to marry her in Léogâne. L’église Ste-Rose de Lima had received the great honor to join these two in holy matrimony.
Two highly decorated Generals of the Haitian army were also from Léogâne. Generals Marion and General Baltazar had both signed the country’s Act of Independence.
Léogâne is also the birthplace of Ovide Simone Duvalier, wife and mother of two Haitian Presidents. According to many, no First Lady had impacted Haitian politics the way she did. She left a legacy that no other First Ladies combined would ever surpass.
President Jean Claude Duvalier never missed an occasion to carillon to whoever wanted to hear him that “Je suis Léogânais and je suis fier de l’être.” “I am from the city of Léogâne and I am proud to be Léogânais.”
Edwidge Danticat, the novelist whose moving and insightful depictions of Haiti’s complex history are enriching our understanding of the Haitian immigrant experience, had first seen the world in Léogâne.
The city of Léogâne had inspired Carole Demesmin, the Haitian music’s ambassador, most of her songs. Her most known title “Men Rara” was her message to the world that she was indeed from the city whose charms are inviting.
The city of Léogâne was built in 1663. In 2013, the city will be 350 years old.
For a complete list of famous people who were born in Léogâne, please follow this link.
Cc
I hope u have more to say about my beloved city, hope it is just the beginning of what people should know about Leogane. I know u r Being very involved in Leogane’s social life, so I’d like u to paint the beautiful city of ours to our fb friends. I love this city too much man
Will do. It is our job
Sa se trokèt la, chay la dèyè
I’m with u on this one…