Gonaïves, Haiti

Welcome to Gonaïves, the capital of the Artibonite department of Haiti. This charming city in northern Haiti has a rich history and is known as the city of independence, as it was the location of Jean-Jacques Dessalines declaring Haiti independent from France on January 1, 1804. Gonaïves was founded around 1422 by a group of Taíno, who named it Gonaibo. The Gulf of Gonâve is named after the town. Today, Gonaïves is home to about 300,000 people, and it has some major league teams including Eclair AC and Racing FC (Gonaives). Gonaives has some training centers including the Université Publique de lArtibonite aux Gonaïves (UPAG); and The Law and Economics School of Gonaives. Gonaives is also home to the recently renovated La Providence Hospital. Gonaïves has a number of radio stations including Radio SuperXtraLunique 94.1 FM, Radio Motivation Fm, Radio Boss Haiti 103.9 FM, and Radio Redemption 100.9 FM. Gonaïves is a city that has seen its share of challenges, including substantial rioting and violence motivated primarily by opposition to President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in the early 2000s, and devastating hurricanes in 2004 and 2008. However, the city has seen a complete return to order in recent years. Despite its challenges, Gonaïves is a city with a rich history and culture, and it is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.