The hammering and clank are the sounds of the Croix-des-Bouquets village’s visiting. Looking out of the car window, you will look over every house. On a gate, a fence, walls – everywhere are hung the metal jewelry, medallions, charms, masks. Welcome to the voodoo blacksmith’s village.

Just some people know what voodoo magic is, but everyone has heard something about it at least once. And not the best things, I guess. But do not worry, no one will make a doll out of you and will not pierce it with needles. People do not perform rituals there…  most likely.

The village was established there in the second part of the 20th century. Until the 1950s, residents led an ordinary lifestyle for Haiti. There were no tourists in the village, as well as money. But with time, everything has changed. The blacksmith Georges Lioto settled here.

At first, he was repairing equipment, tools of local farmers. But then, he began to make metal cross and place them in the cemetery. The locals liked these decorations of the graves, and Lioto got some new disciples. 

Georges Lioto was an experimenter, he wanted to move forward. And he decided to develop the cultural traditions of Haiti. The master was using various forms and materials, he turned to local gods and spirits to get inspiration and was depicting them on his items. Amulets and voodoo masks became popular. Small Croix-des-Bouquets has been attracting people from all over the world.

Now, the followers and disciples of Georges Lioto live on the island. Smiling and friendly people make metal sculptures and voodoo masks of old oil barrels throwing in the garbage. The atmosphere is very nice and creative. Nobody makes you buy the crafts, but if you buy it, you can help a family.