rara

Rara is a term with multiple uses, but it is most widely known as the name of a Haitian musical tradition. Haitian rara refers to street processions and carnival performances in which masked revelers and musicians move through communities playing brass instruments and percussion while singing improvised songs. Rara bands typically include trumpets and trombones, supported by drums and other percussion, and performances are held in public spaces, often at night, during religious and secular festivals, particularly in the weeks leading up to Easter.

Musically, rara blends African-derived rhythms with elements of Catholic ritual and Haitian Vodou, producing music that is lively and high-energy. Lyrical content often addresses social, political, or humorous topics and is delivered in call-and-response form, inviting participation from onlookers. The practice functions as a form of communal expression and social commentary, and has become a prominent symbol of Haitian cultural identity. Diaspora communities have preserved and adapted rara in new settings, influencing Caribbean and Latin American carnival traditions.

Other uses: The term rara may also appear as a personal name or nickname in various cultures, and in some languages may have meanings unrelated to the Haitian music tradition. Because of its diverse uses, rara does not refer to a single, universally recognized topic beyond these contexts.