If Not Bread, Then Circuses

Haiti continues to suffer. Hundreds of thousands of its people remain confined in abject poverty in refugee camps. The rubble from the devastating earthquake that levelled Port au Prince and other cities remain as indelible everyday reminders of the disaster that laid waste an already barely functioning nation.

Elections that took place within an unprepared community remain unresolved. Government inaction is legendary, but this stalemate helps no one. The international community which has continued its investment in aiding the country has advanced no large initiatives that would result in rescue of the situation.

Ruin is everywhere. Homeless quake victims see no future for themselves or their dependants. Women and girls continue to be victimized by sexual assaults in the camps during the night. There is no true order, security and safety anywhere. These deplorable conditions barely succeed in inspiring anyone to light-heartedness.

Haitians - some of them - have turned instead to partying. The traditional Carnival is set to kick off, and young women in coquettishly sensual brilliant garb are prepared to entertain the Carnival-goers. Everyone will applaud their saucy efforts and dance techniques. Everyone is invited to attend and to celebrate.

Those who do not believe that Haiti has anything to celebrate will absent themselves. But the festivities will proceed nonetheless. Not all of Haiti's many musical bands have signed on to performing for the big seasonal event.

I don't even feel like singing a carnival song", Joseph Zenny of the band Kreyol-la lamented. "Morally, I don't feel inspired. The people are tired; they are tired of the tire burnings, the crisis. Look at the country. It's better they take the money, remove the people from underneath the tents."

But nothing, nothing trumps Carnival.