Above: the opening ceremonies on Friday

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Haiti has officially begun its second-ever Carnival of Flowers in Port-au-Prince.

The carnival, which is being held from Sunday to Tuesday, seeks to highlight the country’s flora. The hibiscus, Haiti’s national flower, is a major part of its rebranded tourism campaign.

Around 13 bands have been confirmed for the event, according to the National Palace, which said this year’s budget for the carnival was around $2.24 million USD. Of that, approximately $461,000 was coming from the public treasury, the Palace said, adding that “1,500 direct jobs would be created from this great cultural event.”

That was an increase from last year’s fete, which cost the government around $820,000.

This year’s celebration is being held under the theme “A Haitian, A Tree,” as part of a government drive to encourage reforestation.

Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe said that nearly 5,000 police officers had been mobilized to ensure the safety of carnival revelers in the city.

Lamothe invited attendees to “celebrate in peace and serenity.”