This hearty soup is not only a culinary delight but also a symbol of Haitian independence, traditionally consumed on January 1st to celebrate the country's liberation from French colonial rule in 1804.

While the main ingredients typically include squash, beef, and vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and turnips, variations exist, adding to its widespread appeal and regional adaptations.

Due to trade practices, pumpkin was shipped abroad or consumed by the property owning landed class, the African and Indigenous Haitian population toiling on plantations were forbidden from eating it themselves.

This pureed squash is then added to the simmering broth and meat mixture along with pieces of beef and soup bones, potato, and vegetables such as malanga, leeks, celery, radishes, carrots, green cabbage, habanero pepper and onions.

[6][4][7] In December 2021, Haiti obtained official recognition for the knowledge, know-how and practices pertaining to the consumption of soup joumou on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.