The Flower of Gold: Who Was Anacaona?
Long before the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the island we now know as Haiti and the Dominican Republic was called Kiskeya, one of the main territories of the Taino people. It was a land of lush forests, sparkling rivers, and thriving communities that lived in harmony with nature. Among them was a woman whose name still echoes through time—Anacaona, the Taino Queen of Xaragua.
Her name, which means “Golden Flower” in the Taino language, reflected both her beauty and wisdom. She was a skilled poet, diplomat, and leader, admired for her intelligence and ability to unite her people. Born into a noble Taino family, she was the sister of Behechio, one of the most powerful caciques (chiefs) of Kiskeya.
A Leader, a Poet, and a Symbol of Resistance
Anacaona became queen of Xaragua after the passing of her brother, ruling over one of the most prosperous and culturally advanced regions of the Taino kingdom. She was known for composing areitos, sacred songs, and dances that preserved the history and traditions of her people.
She was also married to Caonabo, a fierce Taino chief who led resistance efforts against the Spanish invaders. Caonabo was one of the first Taino leaders to fight back against the cruelty of the Spanish colonizers, attacking the fortress of La Navidad, the first European settlement on the island. However, he was captured through deception by the Spanish and sent to Spain in chains, where he died before reaching his destination.
The Betrayal and Brutal Execution of Anacaona
Following Caonabo’s capture, Anacaona continued to lead her people, attempting to maintain peace while protecting Taino lands. However, in 1503, Spanish governor Nicolás de Ovando invited her and 80 other Taino leaders to a ceremonial gathering under the false promise of peace.
It was a trap. The Spaniards suddenly attacked, burned the meeting hall, and massacred the Taino chiefs in cold blood. Anacaona was captured and later publicly hanged, marking yet another act of genocide against the indigenous people of Kiskeya.
Her execution was meant to erase her legacy—but instead, her courage, resilience, and sacrifice turned her into an eternal symbol of resistance against oppression.
Why Anacaona’s Story Still Matters Today
The tragic story of Anacaona is not just a tale of the past—it’s a reminder of the resilience of the indigenous people of the Caribbean. Though the Spanish sought to erase the Taino, their culture, language, and spirit lived on through their descendants and the stories passed down for generations.
Discover the World of Ancient Kiskeya
To honor the memory of Anacaona and the rich history of the Taino people, I wrote a children's book titled "Ancient Kiskeya: The Story of Acanoa"—a story inspired by Anacaona’s strength and the magic of the world she lived in.
If you want to teach your children about the original people of Haiti, their traditions, and their courage, this book is the perfect way to introduce them to a history that deserves to be remembered.
Call to Action: Keep the Legacy Alive!
📖 Read & Learn – Dive deeper into the real history of Anacaona and the Taino people.
📣 Share Her Story – Talk about Anacaona and her legacy with your family, friends, and community.
🌱 Preserve Indigenous History – Support books, research, and cultural initiatives that honor the Taino people.
Anacaona’s story is not just a relic of the past—it is a call for justice, remembrance, and celebration of Caribbean indigenous history. Let’s make sure her name and her people’s legacy are never forgotten.