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Hispaniola is the only Caribbean island shared by two sovereign nations, the Dominican Republic and Haiti, each carrying distinct colonial histories, languages, and culinary traditions. Dominican culture developed under Spanish colonial influence, while Haitian culture bears deep French and West African imprints. Together, their diaspora communities are among the largest and most active in New York City, Miami, and Montreal, forming a significant presence across the Caribbean community in North America.
Community at a Glance
Fast facts about the Haitian community in the United States
Diaspora
Large concentrations in New York City, Miami, Boston, and Montreal.
Spanish in the Dominican Republic
Haitian Creole and French in Haiti.
Dominican Carnival in February
Haitian Flag Day on May 18.
Roman Catholicism has historically been dominant in both countries.
Roman Catholicism has historically been dominant in both countries.
Vodou is widely practiced in Haiti alongside Catholicism and Protestantism.
Vodou is widely practiced in Haiti alongside Catholicism and Protestantism.
Both nations descended from the indigenous Taíno people and African enslaved populations.
Both nations descended from the indigenous Taíno people and African enslaved populations.
Key Definitions
Quick guide to terms you'll hear in the Haitian community

What is Haitian Vodou, and is it the same as voodoo in popular media?
Haitian Vodou is a recognized religion combining West African Fon and Yoruba traditions with Catholicism. Popular media depictions are largely inaccurate and sensationalized distortions of the actual practice.

What distinguishes Dominican Carnival from other Caribbean carnivals?
Dominican Carnival centers on the vejigante, a masked character in horned costumes, with regional variations in La Vega, Santiago, and Santo Domingo, each carrying distinct mask styles.

Why is May 18 significant to Haitian identity worldwide?
May 18 marks Haitian Flag Day, commemorating the 1803 Congress of Arcahaie, where the Haitian flag was created during the revolution against French colonial rule.
Cultural Heritage
Explore the traditions, arts, and history that define this community

Cuisine
Dominican and Haitian kitchens share the Hispaniola pantry but produce distinct flavor profiles and signature dishes.
- • Dominican sancocho is a slow-simmered stew that combines multiple meats, plantains, yuca, and corn, and is served at family gatherings.
- • La bandera dominicana, the national everyday meal, pairs white rice, stewed red beans, and braised meat on a single plate.
- • Haitian griot, deep-fried marinated pork shoulder, is typically served alongside pikliz, a spicy pickled cabbage and carrot condiment.

Arts & Music
Music from Hispaniola has shaped Caribbean sound far beyond the island's borders.
- • Merengue, originating in the Dominican Republic, uses the tambora drum and güira scraper to drive its fast two-beat rhythm.
- • Bachata, once dismissed as lower-class Dominican guitar music, is now a global genre with UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition.
- • Haitian kompa, created by Nemours Jean-Baptiste in the 1950s, remains the dominant social dance music across the Haitian diaspora.

Celebrations & Traditions
Both cultures mark the calendar with events that combine religion, history, and street performance.
- • Dominican Carnival in La Vega features papier-mâché vejigante masks and competitive street processions throughout February weekends.
- • Haiti's Kanaval in Jacmel is known for giant handcrafted papier-mâché floats and animal-masked characters unique to that southern city.
- • The Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia on January 21 draws hundreds of thousands of Dominican pilgrims to the Basilica in Higüey.
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