The History of Soup Joumou

Soup Joumou is a warm, hearty, and delicious soup made of pureed squash, combined with spices, vegetables, beef, and pasta – typically spaghetti or penne pasta. The history of this soup dates back over 200 years when Haiti successfully revolted against slavery and proclaimed its independence. In every spoon, it carries a special meaning – one that represents hope and freedom! Essentially, soup joumou is much more than soup – it is history in a bowl!

Haiti was once a rich country producing coffee, cocoa, and sugar but on the backs of slaves. In 1792, slaves began to rebel and word spread quickly about the uprising of slaves. Toussaint L’Ouverture (a self-educated former slave turned military leader) decided to organize the slaves, forming an army, and led the revolution to end slavery. However, in 1802, L’Ouverture was captured and eventually died in prison. General Jean-Jacques Dessalines (who was once under L’Ouverture’s leadership) took over and successfully led his troops to victory – winning Haiti’s independence and putting an end to slavery.

On Jan 1, 1804,  Haiti had become the first and only country to have ever revolted against slavery and won – making Haiti the first black independent nation in the world. To celebrate, Dessalines incorporated the tradition of soup joumou as a symbol of freedom and in celebration of Haiti’s Independence.  

Why Soup Joumou? As legend has it, slaves were forbidden from drinking this soup. When Haiti’s independence was won, the slaves celebrated with this once forbidden soup joumou.  Another version of its origins credits Dessaline’s spouse Marie Claire Heureuse Félicité Bonheur for this soup that was shared with the slaves to keep them nourished during the revolution.