The pumpkin used for this soup is called calabaza, commonly known as Cuban squash, West Indian pumpkin, and joumou (in Creole).

Every January 1st, most of us around the world are celebrating the New Year's Day. For Haitians though, the first day of the year has added importance, since it doubles as the anniversary of our Independence in 1804. On that day, Haitians whether in Haiti or abroad enjoy pumpkin soup, in keeping with the tradition to celebrate that event. Having this delicious soup on January 1st is rooted deep in our culture and our history.

We also like to drink this rich and aromatic meal on Sunday mornings after church. Everyone gathers around the table and prays before eating. Most of the time we like to invite friends over to eat this particular meal with us.

During slavery, only the French colonists could drink this delicious and sweet-smelling meal on special occasions while slaves were to drink simple bread soup. Well, on January 1st 1804, during the Independence celebration, an enormous pot of pumpkin soup was invented, and everyone present was served a bowl to show that we as descendants of slaves could unite and produce something extraordinary. That is one of the reasons why we drink this soup with such great passion.

Every time we drink this soup on January 1st it reminds us of the injustices of slavery and our 12 year battle against the French for our liberation. Therefore eating pumpkin soup is reminds us that the fight is not over. It also gives us courage, for it is a symbol that, as a Haitian “there is victory for us at the end of the road”.

As we approach our 200th anniversary of independence in 2004 the custom of drinking pumpkin soup will be highlighted in the celebration.