Pictures of Jacmel, Haiti. Taken 5/30/2008

South of Port-au-Prince, the southern peninsula comprises many beautiful cities. One of them, Jacmel is the capital of the South-East Department.  Its name derives from an Indian word “Yaquimel” which means ´rich land. Considered a cultural capital of Haiti, it is a quiet but very charming city situated on Horseshoe Bay.

The city has not changed much since the late 19th century.  Many of its mansions built in the New Orleans Style by wealthy coffee merchants are today artisan shops selling vibrant handicrafts.  During the carnival season, Jacmel is flooded with people from different corners of the world and all the departments of Haiti to enjoy themselves in an atmosphere rich in colors, variety and originality.  The carnival in Jacmel is the one carnival that has kept its original Haitian flavor.