April 23, 2025
The national funeral of Frankétienne, an emblematic figure of Haitian culture, took place on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Saint-Pierre Parish in Pétion-Ville. The writer’s casket, draped in the Haitian bicolor flag, rested at the center of the assembly, where solemnity and emotion intertwined. Alongside his family, numerous government representatives, members of the Transitional Presidential Council, and prominent figures from the artistic and intellectual world were present to pay him a final tribute.
In his homily, the priest presiding over the ceremony described Frankétienne as a “titan of thought and words,” a free spirit whose work transcended borders and generations. His unwavering commitment to Haiti, his relentless quest for meaning, and his profound humanism left a lasting mark on the country’s literary and philosophical history. Quoting a message from the Metropolitan Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, the speaker reminded the audience that, although the writer had physically departed, he left behind an indelible legacy.
Marie-Andrée Étienne, Frankétienne’s wife and confidante for 56 years, delivered a poignant testimony by reading a letter she had written to him before his passing. In it, she evoked his unconditional love for Haiti, his deep attachment to youth, and his passion for sharing knowledge. “Your departure has created an uproar befitting the immense writer that you were,” she said, emphasizing the profound impact of his work on both Haitian and international cultural heritage.
The night before the funeral, a tribute ceremony was held in Pétion-Ville, attended by political, cultural, and academic figures. Writers, poets, and artists shared their memories of the late literary icon, celebrating his boundless creativity and pioneering role in Haitian literature. The speeches highlighted his fight against oppression and his dream of a free Haiti, where every citizen could stand tall, without shame or fear.
With a prolific body of work spanning literature, painting, and theater, Frankétienne remains an essential figure of Haitian culture. His passing marks the end of an era, but his literary and intellectual legacy will continue to serve as a beacon for future generations. Haiti mourns an extraordinary creator, whose words will keep inspiring those who seek to understand and reinvent the world.
