Jete Dlo Pou Ayiti: Honoring Our Ancestors and Strengthening the Poto Mitan

By Salhiram Balthazar Published: January 13, 2026

On the evening of January 12, the community gathered at Lakay Sakre Botanica for a sacred candlelight vigil titled “Jete Dlo Pou Ayiti.” This ceremony served as a profound tribute to the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, marking sixteen years since the tragedy that forever altered our nation. However, the evening was more than a memorial; it was a powerful exercise in collective healing and spiritual fortification.

The Spiritual Center: The Poto Mitan

Central to our ritual was the Poto Mitan. In our tradition, this center pole is the sacred axis that connects our physical world with the spiritual realm. It is the conduit through which we reach the ancestors and through which the Lwa descend to offer guidance.

As we stood in the orange glow of the altar—surrounded by traditional offerings, the pilon, and sacred vessels—the Poto Mitan served as our anchor. By gathering around this pillar, we signaled that while the earth may shake, the spiritual foundation of the Haitian people remains immovable.

Unity in Leadership

The strength of this event lay in its collaboration. We came together as a unified force to communicate with the Egregor—the collective spirit and energy of our people. I was honored to lead this effort alongside distinguished community and Vodou leaders:

• Sky Menesky
• Ougan Maxime
• Grand Bwa Deenps
• Metrès Makini
• Eugenie Dieudonne (God Given)
• Maestro Renald (Ton Reno)
• Dr. Lily Cerat
• Sal-Hiram Balthazar

Together, we held a moment of silence to pay our respects to those who have transcended to the other side. This space allowed us to share our perspectives on the current state of our diaspora and the urgent need for mental and spiritual realignment.

Jete Dlo: A Ritual for Healing

The act of Jete Dlo (pouring water) is an ancient and vital tradition. Water represents clarity, peace, and the cooling of heated spirits. By pouring water at the base of the Poto Mitan, we sought to:

1. Nourish the Souls of the Departed: Ensuring that those lost in the 2010 earthquake find peace and continued recognition in our lineage.
2. Foster Mental Health: Addressing the collective trauma of our community. We recognized that healing mentally is a prerequisite for our survival.
3. Resist Persecution: Acknowledging the global challenges and persecutions currently facing the Haitian community. We emphasized that collaboration is our most potent form of resistance.

The Path Forward

The “Jete Dlo Pou Ayiti” vigil reminded us that our culture is not a relic of the past, but a living, breathing essence that we must actively maintain. To move forward, we must keep our traditions at the center of our lives, ensuring the Poto Mitan of our community stays strong and upright.

We left Lakay Sakre Botanica with a renewed commitment to one another. Our community needs collaboration now more than ever. By honoring our ancestors and respecting our roots, we ensure that the Haitian spirit remains vibrant and unconquerable.

About the Author: Salhiram Balthazar is a community leader, Brand Marketing Strategist and practitioner dedicated to the preservation of Haitian culture and the spiritual well-being of the diaspora.