Soup joumou is the Haitian soup traditionally served on January 1 to commemorate independence.
The soup is a pumpkin-based preparation that commonly includes beef, vegetables, pasta or rice, and aromatic seasonings. Its rich yellow-orange color comes from the squash, while the exact ingredients and texture vary among Haitian households and regions.
Its history is tied to the Haitian Revolution. Under French colonial rule, enslaved people were reportedly forbidden from consuming the soup, which was associated with the colonial ruling class. After Haiti declared independence on January 1, 1804, the soup became a powerful symbol of freedom and national identity.
Soup joumou is therefore more than a seasonal dish: it is eaten across Haiti and by Haitian communities worldwide on New Year’s Day. The name is also written joumou, referring to the squash used in the recipe.