Every year in May, Haitians residing in the United States celebrate their heritage and culture through music and food festivals, parades and exhibits. The celebration was first observed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1998 by Tele Haiti, before eventually spreading to other parts of the country, such as Palm Beach County in Florida. Haitian Heritage Month is usually punctuated by Haitian Flag Day on May 18, an observance that Haitian President Dumarsais Estime started in the 1930s to encourage patriotism amongst the youth. Today, from Miami to Atlanta to Irvington and Brooklyn, Haitian flags can be seen waving from the top of vehicles or hanging from windows bringing awareness to Haiti and all that it stands for. Also, Haitians young and old, including lovers of the Haitian culture, don t-shirts and baseball caps with the Haitian flag on it.

 

At some American schools, educators take the opportunity to expose students to Haitian history, its colorful art, unique and tasty dishes, lively music and traditional dance styles. For example, kindergarten and first grade teachers will read children books written by Haitian authors to their classes. Some music and theater departments hold school-wide assemblies featuring performances by Haitian musicians, poets and dancers.

 

Below are some events happening this month around the United States. Check them out if you are in the area and bring your family along. Also, please share in the comments what your City is doing to celebrate Haitian Heritage Month!

 

• May 3
  10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Presentation at noon)
  Opening Haitian Art Exhibition
  111 NW 1st Street, Lobby
  Miami, FL 33128
  This event is to showcase different arts and cultures of Haiti.
• May 7
  3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  City of North Miami Beach Taste of Haiti
  North Miami Beach City Hall
  17011 NE 19th Avenue
  North Miami Beach, FL 33162
  City of North Miami Beach presents Taste of Haiti 2022. It is the biggest Haitian food festival by Haitian Culinary Alliance in the United States. Free Admision.
• May 14
  South Dade Health Day and Haitian Heritage Celebration
  South Miami Heights Emmanuel Baptist Church
  17201 SW 103rd Avenue
  Miami, FL 33157
• May 18
  6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  Celebrating Haitian Heritage Month Through Stories
  Arcola Lakes Library
  8240 NW 7th Avenue
  Miami, FL 33150
  Enjoy special presentations by the Miami-Dade Public Library System Storytelling Troupe and local Haitian performers. All ages.
• May 21
• OMG Pop Up Shop Event Haitian Owned Business Edition
• Sat, 2 – 8 PM
• Valencias Eventspace, 5407 Flatlands Ave Brooklyn, NY
• May 24
• Haitian Heritage Month Screening of Jean-Jacques
• Sat, 3 – 4 PM
• South End Branch Library, 34 Woodland Ave
• Stamford, CT

Visit the Haitian Heritage Museum
4141 NE 2nd Avenue, #105C
Miami, FL 33137
It is committed to highlighting and preserving Haiti’s rich culture and heritage globally. Visitors can enjoy beautiful Haitian art, historic artifacts, ethnic sounds of Haitian music, view Haitian films and enjoy a collection of Haitian literary works.