Commemoration of the 221st Anniversary of the Battle of Vertières

Embassy of The Bahamas, Brussels
Brussels, Belgium
20 November 2024

Press Release

The Embassy of Haiti in Brussels commemorated the 221st anniversary of the Battle of Vertières, celebrating Haiti’s historic victory for freedom and the path to its independence in 1804.

This evening, we had the privilege of joining Chargée d’Affaires a.i., Madame Marie Munch Mangones, at the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Brussels to commemorate the 221st anniversary of the historic Battle of Vertières.

The Battle of Vertières, fought on November 18, 1803, was the decisive engagement between the enslaved Haitian army and Napoleon’s French forces. This monumental victory marked the culmination of a protracted struggle for freedom, leading to General Jean-Jacques Dessalines’ proclamation of Haiti as the first independent Black republic on January 1, 1804.

The evening was a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and determination that defined this pivotal moment in world history. The battle not only symbolized the triumph of an oppressed people over colonial rule but also served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for independence movements globally.

November 18 is rightfully celebrated as a Day of Victory by the Haitian people, honoring the sacrifices made by their ancestors. This commemoration served as a testament to Haiti’s enduring legacy of freedom and resistance. We extend our gratitude to the Embassy of Haiti for hosting such a meaningful and reflective event.


About The Embassy, Belgium: The Embassy of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Kingdom of Belgium and Mission to the European Union serves to enhance both bilateral and multilateral relations with the European Union, the Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Community of Latin and Caribbean Countries (CELAC) as well as other organisations and is an active participant in the Caribbean Group of Embassies in Brussels. We invite you to contact us and experience why it’s “better in The Bahamas”.

For more info: https://bahamasembassybe.com