The Rara, as well as the “Soup Joumou”, could, in the future, be added to the list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity created by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), according to what was announced by the artistic director of a cultural organization called “Palto Vanyan”, Fritz Evens Moïse, alias “John Vanyan”.
According to the cultural operator, Rara, which is a form of popular expression and method of combat, has existed for over 600 years.
In the opinion of Mr. Moise, the Rara is an essential element of Haitian culture.
The artistic director of the cultural organization Palto Vanyan reveals that the process to propose to UNESCO to integrate the Rara as intangible heritage of humanity is already underway.
During the 15th century, the Tainos of Haiti invented a style of Rara called “Chawopye” that allowed the natives of the eastern part of the island to celebrate. At that time, this trend was only a physical expression, says Fritz Evens Moise.
According to him, six centuries later, Rara quickly became one of the main forms of cultural expression of political and popular struggle and resistance.
At the time of the resistance to the anti superstitious campaigns called “(Rejete)”, or during the slavery period, the Rara was still standing and had the strength to adapt to each of these difficult periods, says the cultural operator.
According to the artistic director of the cultural organization “Palto Vanyan”, during the 18th century, the Rara served as a channel to facilitate the marronage of slaves. However, this trend has always been an instrument of venting, denunciation and popular resistance.
This custom of burning masks and disguises, each year, after the three days of Ash Wednesday, is to launch this festive period, according to tradition, in some cities of the country, including Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haitian and Leogane, recalls the cultural operator.
This experienced trainer in citizen animation emphasizes, on the other hand, that the Rara exists especially in the most remote areas of the country.
Rara as a lever for the development of ethno-tourism
According to John Vanyan, some Rara bands in the commune of Léogâne have already celebrated their 100 years of existence. The artistic director of the organization “Palto Vanyan” also affirms that the modern instruments used in the traditional Rara contribute to keeping alive a tradition that is centuries old. And this, despite the grumbling of some purists who swear by the conservation of the original instruments of Rara (Tanbou), (Vaksin), (Kone), according to Fritz Evens Moise.
He says he regrets the fact that the development of tourism is not sufficiently intertwined with the Rara, which, according to him, could have played its role as an economic lever in the tourism industry.
In the same vein, the cultural operator calls for the preservation of local products, including the Haitian gastronomy, and handicrafts, to revive our tourism industry.
Fritz Evens Moïse also welcomes the export of Rara and “Racine” music on the international scene on the occasion of the great cultural gatherings organized, each year, in foreign lands.