Konbit Soup Joumou is an initiative launched by Natalie Mondesir in 2018 and continued by Gwoup Konbit ever since. Its aim is to bring together community leaders and change-makers across the country every January 1 to share a bowl of soup, dialogue, reflect together and celebrate in the spirit of Konbit. It’s an opportunity to showcase Joumou soup, an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, every year on Haiti’s Independence Day.
In a context marked by pressing social and economic challenges, Konbit Soup Joumou continues to represent a vibrant symbol of solidarity and national unity. On January 1, 2025, the 6ᵉ edition of this emblematic event, organized by Gwoup Konbit, brought together professionals, community leaders
community leaders, as well as members of the most vulnerable strata of Haitian society, such as orphans, prisoners, the homeless and internally displaced persons. More than just sharing soup, this initiative values Joumou soup as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, while embodying Konbit’s core values of mutual aid, sharing and resilience.
This 2025 edition marked a historic turning point, with 18,134 bowls of soup distributed at 32 sites in the country’s 10 departments. This feat was made possible by the mobilization of 1404 donors, who raised 6,067,947 gourdes, ensuring the success of this nationwide initiative.
In Port-au-Prince, the Lycée National de Pétion-Ville once again served as the central venue, attracting hundreds of participants from the early hours of the morning. This memorable day, imbued with fraternity and hope, reinforced the collective commitment to celebrating Haiti’s independence in an atmosphere of positivity, while renewing the essential bonds that unite all components of Haitian society.
1. Cultural celebration: Promote joumou soup as a cultural heritage and symbolize Haitian independence.
2. National unity: Bring Haitians together around a traditional meal, embodying the spirit of Konbit and solidarity.
3. Community participation: Engage local communities to organize and celebrate the event, with a gathering site in each of the 10 departments.
