- Categories:
- Federal
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- AppreciationHistorical
- Where:
- Haiti
- Date change rule:
- Every January 12
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- 🇭🇹
Remembrance Day in Haiti honors the victims of the devastating 2010 earthquake every January 12. This solemn day pays tribute to the hundreds of thousands of lives lost and the immense destruction suffered by the nation. Reflect on the resilience of the Haitian people, learn about the ongoing recovery, and consider supporting humanitarian efforts.
Want to sponsor Remembrance Day? Learn how
Expected Remembrance Day Deals
As a solemn day of remembrance, January 12 in Haiti is not marked by commercial deals or promotions. Instead, the focus is on honoring the victims of the 2010 earthquake and supporting the nation’s ongoing recovery. Organizations like the American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and UNICEF continue to provide essential aid and development programs in Haiti. Many individuals and communities organize fundraising drives and memorial events to contribute to rebuilding efforts and assist those still affected. We encourage direct donations to reputable humanitarian organizations working on the ground. We will update this page with information on official memorial events and verified aid initiatives as January 12 approaches.
Platform Guide for Remembrance Day
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #RemembranceDayHaiti. Share stories of resilience and support for Haiti’s recovery.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #HaitiRemembrance. Share news, resources, and messages of solidarity for Haiti.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #HaitiStrong. Post respectful images or videos honoring the victims and the nation’s spirit.
Remembrance Day Hero
The People of Haiti
History of Remembrance Day
The island of Hispaniola, which is shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, is unfortunately very prone to destructive earthquakes. Haiti itself had endured multiple earthquakes, with some of the earliest quakes being recorded in the 1700s, when Haiti was a French colony. Later earthquakes were said to have completely destroyed various towns in Haiti and its neighbor, the Dominican Republic.
Perhaps the most tragic quake in recent times has been the 2010 earthquake, which occurred on January 12, 2010. Lasting a mere 30 seconds, this 7.0-magnitude quake took place at around 16:53 (21:53 UTC), just 15.5 miles from Haiti’s biggest city, Port-au-Prince. The impact shook the region, surrounding towns, and many neighboring countries, including Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. Already reeling from massive damage, Haiti was further devastated by numerous aftershocks of high magnitude barely hours later. The shocks leveled 15% of the buildings across the land,
More than 15% of the buildings in Haiti’s Port-au-Prince and surrounding towns were leveled, a consequence of Haiti’s lack of building codes, killing or trapping occupants and further increasing the death toll, which included countless Haitians, air workers, tourists, and various public figures like Archbishop of Port-au-Prince Monsignor Joseph Serge Miot, opposition leader Michel “Micha” Gaillard, and 30 members of the Fédération Haïtienne de Football.
The world immediately sprung into action to provide aid, organizing relief operations, donations, and more days after the earthquake. However, the idea was brought down by poorly executed operations, as much of the aid was bogged down by sluggish bureaucracy on the part of the donor nations and mismanagement by aid organizations. The Haitian spirit continues to soldier on, and even another quake, this time in 2021, could not quell their hope for a stronger future.
Remembrance Day timeline
The first major recorded earthquakes take place in Haiti, in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.
On January 12, a large-scale earthquake of 7.0 magnitude occurs on the West Indian island of Hispaniola, majorly affecting the country of Haiti.
On January 24, Haiti experiences around 52 aftershocks measuring a 4.5 or more magnitude.
In August, the U.S. Congress passes an act requiring the U.S. State Government to measure and meet post-earthquake recovery and development efforts in Haiti and accurately provide these details to Congress.
On January 6, Haitian native and author Dimitry Elias Léger makes his debut with “God Loves Haiti,” which is set at the time of the 2010 earthquake.
In January, Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne honors the 10th anniversary of Haiti's earthquake by issuing a statement of remembrance.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Remembrance Day
Local businesses in Haiti and Haitian diaspora communities can respectfully observe Remembrance Day by closing for a period of silence or participating in community memorial events. Businesses can also organize or support fundraising initiatives for reputable organizations involved in Haiti’s long-term recovery and development. Displaying messages of remembrance and solidarity can also help foster a sense of community and shared purpose on this important day.
Remembrance Day FAQs
When is Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day 2027 will be observed on Tuesday, January 12. It serves as a crucial annual moment for reflection and honoring the victims of the tragic event.
How many people were affected by the 2010 Haiti earthquake?
Beyond the tragic loss of life, the earthquake left an estimated 1.5 million people homeless and severely damaged critical infrastructure. The recovery efforts continue to address the long-term needs of the affected population.
What is the 'Jour De Remembrance'?
This day is a national observance in Haiti, dedicated to collective memory and tribute. It highlights the nation’s enduring spirit and the global solidarity shown in the aftermath of the disaster.
Is Remembrance Day a public holiday in Haiti?
As a federal observance in Haiti, businesses and schools may close or operate with reduced hours to allow for memorial services and tributes across the country. It is a time for national mourning and solidarity.
How to Observe Remembrance Day
Honor the lives lost
Observe a minute of silence, pray for the departed souls, or keep them in your mind on this day. Search for information about the people who lost their lives on this day, and honor their memories by checking to see if you can participate in relief efforts.
Learn more about the disaster
Understand the various factors that contributed to making the 2010 earthquake so destructive. Find out what relief efforts were launched, how much they helped, and what is the status of Haiti today.
Volunteer to support Haiti
Explore volunteering opportunities with relief organizations or get involved in local Haitian efforts and groups. Pledge your time and efforts to help rebuild Haiti and help the Haitian community.
5 Facts About The 2010 Earthquake
Neighborly aid
Haiti's neighbor, the Dominican Republic, was the first to offer aid to Haiti; they sent basic amenities, opened up hospitals and airports, and sent out emergency relief teams as soon as the earthquake hit.
A record number of mobile donations
The American Red Cross's request for aid from U.S. citizens managed to raise $7 million in 24 hours via text messages alone.
The most-watched telethon
“Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief,” the charity telethon to raise funds for Haiti in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake, was one of the most-watched in history and raised $58 million within 24 hours.
Immediate reactions
Aid workers and emergency responders who reached Haiti after the earthquake reported seeing groups of people singing on the streets and the locals organizing themselves into security forces and leaders to help others survive the chaos.
The Canada-Haiti relationship
In the wake of the 2010 earthquake, Canada changed its immigration rules to allow more Haitian immigrants; this gave many Haitians a chance to escape the devastation.
Why Remembrance Day is Important
We're honoring resilient people
Every Haitian rallied around their fellow citizens to help survive the crisis, and they're still fighting to return to normalcy. Our special holiday helps keep these brave warriors in our thoughts and never lets their stories be forgotten.
We won’t forget the lives lost
Every living thing that perished on the day — and on subsequent days — will live on in our memories. Every Remembrance Day is another day we memorialize those who are no longer with us because of the 2010 earthquake.
It ensures we won't forget Haiti either
In a country where the signs of 2010's devastating earthquake still exist, having a Remembrance Day helps keep the solidarity alive for the brave people of a natural disaster-prone region.
Remembrance Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 12 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | January 12 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | January 12 | Friday |
| 2030 | January 12 | Saturday |
| 2031 | January 12 | Sunday |
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