Carnaval de Jacmel

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Carnival & ParadeJacmel
DatesDates TBA · Usually FebruaryCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forMasks, paradesJacmel's carnival is defined by papier-mache
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: HTG
CategoryCarnival & ParadeFestival type
The story

Carnaval de Jacmel in Jacmel

Carnaval de Jacmel, held during the three days before Ash Wednesday, is Haiti's most artistically distinctive carnival, built around elaborate papier-mache masks depicting jaguars, alligators, mythical birds and Vodou spirits. UNESCO named Jacmel a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts in 2014 for this tradition.

Jacmel's carnival culminates each year during the Trois Jours Gras, the three days immediately preceding Ash Wednesday, when the coastal town becomes the most artistically celebrated carnival destination in Haiti.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Jacmel's carnival is defined by papier-mache masks crafted using a technique taught at Haiti's National School of Arts but perfected within Jacmel's own family workshops, producing figures of striking scale and color that have earned the town a UNESCO Creative City designation, a level of formal international recognition uncommon among Caribbean carnivals more broadly and rarely extended to a single city's craft tradition

02

The mystery stays covered

This UNESCO status ties Jacmel's carnival to global heritage recognition rather than tourism marketing alone

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Papier-mache mask making taught at the National School of Arts and passed down through generational family workshops

Water and renewal

Living ritual

depicting animals

The sacred route

Living ritual

mythical figures and Vodou lwa

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually February

Getting around

For Carnaval de Jacmel, choose the arrival point in Jacmel first, then work backward to transport and return timing.

What to wear

Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for crowded outdoor street festivities; some visitors purchase or wear smaller mask replicas as souvenirs rather than full costumes.

Safety

Jacmel Arts and Papier-Mache Festival is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Jacmel.

Tickets/cost

Many carnival moments are public, but confirm paid areas or stands before travel.

Language/currency

HTG

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map18.24 N, 72.54 WOpen in Google Maps

Jacmel, Sud-Est, Haiti

Nearest airportPAP — Toussaint Louverture
TransportFor Carnaval de Jacmel, choose the arrival point in Jacmel first, then work backward to transport and return timing.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Jacmel.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Jacmel via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Jacmel, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare faresFestival gearComfortable, casual clothing suitable for crowded outdoor street festivities; some visitors purchase or wear smaller mask replicas as souvenirs rather than full costumes.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Haiti and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Carnaval de Jacmel?

Carnaval de Jacmel is listed for Past edition: 8 February 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Carnaval de Jacmel take place?

The festival is listed in Jacmel, Haiti. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Jacmel, Sud-Est, Haiti

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLicihaiti.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually February
Source statusOfficial source linked
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