Carnival Season Advisory

February 13, 2012

This year’s Carnival celebrations are officially scheduled to take place in Port-au-Prince from February 19 to 21. While these are the “official” dates for Carnival, traditionally festivities have begun several weeks prior, running all the way through to the final day. This year is no exception, and Carnival celebrations have already begun on Sunday evenings. It is expected that all the carnival-related inconveniences (traffic, random “Ra-Ra” bands in the streets, road closures, crowds, etc…) to increase as the official dates approach.

RA-RA BANDS

As part of these celebrations, Ra-Ra Bands will be out in the streets with increased frequency on Sunday afternoons and evenings leading up to Carnival. Band members may crowd around vehicles, block them in, bang on windows, crack bull whips, twirl knives and machetes, and make a lot of noise. It can be a potentially dangerous situation, but generally speaking, bands remain non-violent.

While driving if you should get caught in a Ra-Ra band please do the following:

• Keep windows rolled up and the doors locked
• Put the car in park until the band passes. The driver will be in the most danger if he/she attempts to drive through the crowd.

Ra-Ra Bands will continue to be found in various parts of the city and countryside every Sunday through Easter.

EMBASSY GUIDANCE FOR ATTENDANCE AT CARNIVAL

This year’s annual celebration of Carnival is expected to bring tens of thousands of partygoers and observers who aim to partake in the fun these festivities have to offer. Characterized in great part by its large, raucous, (and often intoxicated) crowds, Carnival can be a fun, yet inherently dangerous place for revelers, as some who in past years have used poor judgment or ignored personal security awareness have encountered.

Strong-arm robberies, assaults, and pick pocketing remain the most likely threats against those who are victimized by crime at Carnival. The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the Embassy’s restrictions on its personnel around the Champ-de-Mars still apply, and strongly recommends that those who plan on attending this year’s Carnival celebrations in other locations continue to abide by the following security precautions. 

PRECAUTIONS

• U.S. citizens are strongly advised to take advantage of private or “controlled access” viewing stands or vantage points on private property as a means of viewing Carnival parades and festivities, if at all possible. 
• When at all possible, avoid walking through, or stopping in the large crowds of people that amass immediately adjacent to, and along the routes of Carnival processions. Stay to the periphery of condensed activity, as these areas are to be considered safer in general. 
• Avoid getting swept into “Ra-Ra” band groups. These spontaneous celebrations tend to be especially raucous and are prime opportunities for criminal elements to take advantage of the unsuspecting participant or observer. 
• Travel in groups, and stay in groups for the duration of the event. Never leave any person alone in a large crowd with plans to “meet up” later. 
• Keep a cell phone at all times at a minimum, with Haitian National Police (HNP) and U.N. Police (UNPOL) numbers programmed. It is also recommended that U.S. citizens carry a flashlight. 
• Avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry.  
• Keep money and wallets in front pocket. Avoid taking purses or other bags, and refrain from putting bags on the ground or hanging loosely from one shoulder. 
• Keep your identification on you at all times. 
• Stay on the Main Roads. Do not take “shortcuts” when walking to or from the event. Stay on the main roads AT ALL TIMES, even if it is not the most convenient route. Most crimes against persons at events like this occur before or after the event, when people wander onto dark side streets to get back to their vehicle. 
• Anticipate gridlock. Ensure that you leave adequate time to return to your residence. 
• Avoid confrontations of any type, and quickly move away from any incident of violence or overzealous behavior that might trap you or otherwise risk injury to you. Know your best route of escape and be prepared to move in that direction. 
• Have a plan. In the instance your group is separated, have a pre-determined rally point, along with a drop-dead time to meet at the end of the night. 
• Road travel to and from other cities presents other hazards such as drunk or reckless drivers, increased traffic, and increased potential for roadblocks. 
• In the event of emergency, call the HNP and/or UNPOL immediately.