Jacmel’s Carnival celebrations are famous across Haiti, and every year thousands of partygoers descend on the city to take part in this fantastic spectacle. Jacmel turns into one giant street theater for the event: it’s a world away from the sequins and sparkle of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.

The streets suddenly swell and everywhere you look are strange figures in fantastical papier-mâché masks – the signature image of Jacmel Carnival. You can see the masks being made and on display in the ateliers year-round. Jungle animals jostle with mythical birds, giant fruit and lwa (Vodou spirits). Mixed in with the procession are celebrants dressed as Arawaks and colonists, and horned figures covered in molasses and soot, who tease revelers with their sticky grab. St Michael and his angels ritually fight the devil, while gangs of monsters – caricaturing military misrule – growl scarily at the crowds. There’s even a donkey dressed up in peasant clothes and sneakers (an old Carnival favorite).

Music is everywhere, from bands on organized floats to rara (one of the most popular forms of Haitian music) outfits on foot. It’s an enormous party. The procession kicks off roughly around noon, with celebrations continuing late into the night.

Enjoy the setting in the gardens of the Hotel Montana with an amazing 180 degree view of the entire city of Port-au-Prince from the restaurant's balcony--perched over a cliff.

Travel to Jacmel & Check into this beautiful traditional home in Jacmel with a stunning view from the infinity-pool 

Tucked into the mountains 12km northwest of Jacmel, Bassin Bleu is a series of three cobalt-blue pools linked by waterfalls that make up one of the prettiest swimming holes in Haiti.  a local guide will escort you down an uneven path ,at one point you can even rappel down a rock face to the gorgeous pools, where kids often jump from high rocks.

The three pools are Bassin Clair, Bassin Bleu and Bassin Palmiste. Bassin Clair is the most beautiful of the three, deep into the mountain at the bottom of the waterfall, sheltered and surrounded by smooth rocks draped with maidenhair and creeper ferns.You’re sadly less likely to see the nymphs that, according to legend, live in the grottoes, although be warned that they’ve been known to grab divers attempting to discover the true depth of the pool.

While the mineral-rich waters of Bassin Bleu are a delight at most times of the year, they turn a muddy brown after heavy rainfall.

Lakou-NY (La-Koo-New-York) NY, this new, kilometer-long boardwalk along Jacmel's waterfront has become popular with locals as a spot to socialize and relax. It's magical to go for a stroll over the boardwalks elaborate mosaic tile designs, checking out local jewelry and paintings, trying street food or interacting with passers-by. Time your visit to coincide with illuminated street lights.

Dig deeper into the art of preparing the masks and costumes for Jacmel Carnival, See the artists in action up close and personal through a brief tour of their studio.

Sip and Paint your own Jacmel Carnival mask in the middle of one of the most famous and fabulous streets of Jacmel with the help of a local artist while enjoying some wine and authentic Haitian food.

Let the festivities begin ! We take a stroll to see the artistic parade before the BIG party begins.

Tonight the showdown of the top musical bands goes down and the entire city explodes in a big party !