Champ de Mars (Haiti)

Champ de Mars (Haitian Creole: Chanmas) is the biggest public park in the downtown area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It consists of a series of public squares divided by large boulevards.[1]

History

For much of Port-au-Prince’s history Champ de Mars was used for military parades, until 1912 where it was remodelled into a racetrack with wrought-iron viewing stands facing the National Palace. Its current design is from 1999, when it was rebuilt to celebrate the city’s 250th anniversary.[2]

Champ de Mars was heavily affected by the 2010 earthquake and the National Palace destroyed.[2] The area was fenced off for a period after.

Description

Champs de Mars contains a number of statues of Haiti's founding fathers, including Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Alexander Pétion and Henri Christophe.[3]

The Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien featuring Haitian history, art and culture is located at Champ de Mars.

A government project providing free public WIFI in the area was inaugurated In October 2018.[4]

References
  1. "The broken heart of Port-au-Prince: Champ de Mars · Visit Haiti". Visit Haiti. 2018-10-18. Retrieved 2019-04-25.
  2. Clammer, Paul. (2012). Haiti. Chalfont St. Peter: Bradt Travel Guides. p. 116. ISBN 9781841624150. OCLC 801605883.
  3. "Champs de Mars | Port-Au-Prince & Around, Haiti Attractions". www.lonelyplanet.com. Retrieved 2019-04-25.
  4. "Haiti - Technology : The free internet a reality in the Champ de Mars - HaitiLibre.com : Haiti news 7/7". www.haitilibre.com. Retrieved 2019-04-25.

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