Papier-mâché (which means 'chewed paper' in French) is a craft where paper soaked in paste is shaped over a mould and left to dry into a hard form. The mask-makers of Jacmel have developed this technique into a fine art, creating masks that are sometimes as tall as a person - faces of animals, mythical creatures, fish, sun gods, and imaginary beings.
The masks are painted in vivid colours - bright reds, electric blues, deep greens, sparkling golds. Some are decorated with sequins, feathers, and bits of mirror that catch the light. Each mask tells a story or represents an idea: strength, beauty, nature, history. Mask-makers say that creating a good Jacmel mask requires imagination, patience, and love.
On the day of the big parade, the streets of Jacmel fill with people. The giant masks are carried through the crowds on long poles or worn by performers in full costume. Musicians play kompa and rara. Street food vendors sell griot, plantain, and freshly made juices. It is a full sensory celebration.
The Jacmel Carnaval attracts visitors from all over Haiti and from abroad. Many people arrive a week early just to watch the mask-makers at work in their workshops, shaping paper, mixing paint, and putting finishing touches on creatures that will march through the streets. It is one of the best craft traditions in the Caribbean.