The National Carnival of Haiti, the largest cultural event in the country, took place on Monday March 2-4 in the city of independence, Gonaives, with the theme: "Tèt kole pou Ayiti Pi Djanm" (Together for a stronger Haiti). With its vibrant music, dances, and extravagant costumes the event attracted a crowd of thousands of people. The parade of twenty walking bands, 18 musical tanks, 8 floats passed through a 2.5 km path. See pictures below.

Haitian officials that included President Martelly, Prime Minister Lamothe, Tourism Minister Villedrouin, among others, were present at the opening.

For this 214th Edition of the National Carnival, the Ministry of Tourism also organized tours of the Artibonite department and opened a tourism information office.

In its effort to revive Haiti’s tourism industry, the government sees this event as an opportunity to sell a better image of itself and attract tourists, as expressed by president Martelly.

The carnival’s estimated budget is US $5 million.

This is the third year when the carnival takes place outside of the capital city. President Martelly noted that this is the biggest event in Gonaives since the Independence Day in 1804.