That’s the central question explored in an insightful study by Pierre Jameson Beaucejour, PhD Candidate, who dives deep into the phenomenon of Car Wash Parties in Port-au-Prince. Born in the heart of working-class neighborhoods, these vibrant, water-soaked street gatherings do much more than entertain—they revitalize, connect, and resist.
Summer 2019. While public insecurity, political unrest, and the collapse of traditional leisure infrastructure left much of Port-au-Prince idle, something unexpected happened. A spark. A movement.
Young people in marginalized neighborhoods transformed the very streets they lived on into joyful hubs of activity. Car Wash Parties—complete with water games, loud music, inflatable pools, and the iconic white swimsuit dress code—took over the city. More than a trend, they became a form of cultural resilience.
Based on in-depth interviews and on-the-ground observations, Beaucejour’s study uncovers how Car Wash events act as much more than just summer fun. They represent:
With little to no access to formal venues, participants take to the streets, transforming them into inclusive, collective leisure spaces—open to all, owned by all.
From spontaneous friendships to old classmates reconnecting, these gatherings build a sense of community rarely found in traditional entertainment settings.
Beyond fun, Car Wash Parties offer economic opportunities for small vendors, and mental relief for participants navigating a stressful, often violent urban reality.
These events defy the narrative of decline and disempowerment. They’re proof that even amid urban decay, joy can be organized—and the city can be reimagined from the ground up.
Why it matters? Because it reminds us that leisure isn’t just a luxury—it’s a form of expression, survival, and resistance. Because it shows how marginalized communities don’t wait to be "included" in urban planning—they build their own city, their own way. Because it captures the heartbeat of Port-au-Prince in its rawest, most beautiful form.
In his must-read paper, takes us beyond the surface, giving voice to the people behind the music, the water fights, and the street takeovers. Their stories challenge stereotypes and show us what grassroots urban renewal truly looks like.
. (In French only).