A Haitian Christmas tradition are the "fanals". Fanals are miniature, lantern-like homes that are part of Haiti's Christmas tradition. A candle placed inside illuminates the fragile craft and creates a stained-glass effect. The size of either a shoe box or as small as a camera, fanals are often placed in windows to light the way. Many fanals emulate Haiti's yesteryear -- chiefly, the gingerbread homes, an architectural style prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Creole word “fanal” meaning a ‘beacon’ such as a lighthouse beacon or a ‘lantern’ like an old railroad lantern has been applied to the cardboard and colored tissue paper luminaries made by Haitian artists at Christmas. These creations are so striking and memorable that they have more or less taken over the word "fanal". These are most often seen and sold in Port-au-Prince.
Some fanals are simple small houses, while others are larger and more elaborate houses like the one in the picture above.
Some are replicas of specific Haitian monuments like this one. This monument is located in downtown Port-au-Prince not far from the National Palace.
This fanal is an elborate replica of the National Palace (before the 2010 earthquake).
This is a fanal artist selling his creations. He’s created some in the form of houses and some in the form of churches.
Fanals are a fun, festive part of a Haitian Christmas.
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