By Jessica Garret Modkins
May is Haitian Heritage Month and Miami has all the best ways to experience authentic Haitian culture.
The month of May recognizes Haitian Heritage. This month-long celebration allows Haitian Americans an opportunity to share their history, culture, traditions, music, crafts, and cuisines. It is an expansion of the Haitian Flag Day which is May 18th and was established to honor the contribution of Haiti internationally as well as its independence.
The United States Census reports that Florida is home to the largest Haitian population and celebrations in Miami are like nowhere else in the country. We have street festivals, learning sessions, author panels, art exhibitions, films, musical concerts and Haitian cultural activities for all to enjoy.
Haitian Heritage Month kicks off on May 3, 2018, in the City of North Miami with their annual Haitian Opening Reception, featuring cuisine from multiple regions of Haiti, live music, and performances. This is a free event open to the public, but you must go to Eventbrite to RSVP. It starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. It will take place at MOCA Plaza, 770 NE 125th Street in North Miami.
On May 5, 2018 stop in to the Little Haiti Book Festival taking place at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. This annual two-day free book festival will showcase Haitian authors, literary panels, writer workshops, interactive kid activities, films, dance, and more. Definitely keep this event on your “to do” list for Haitian Heritage Month. It is open to the public. The Little Haiti Cultural Complex is located at 212 N.E. 59th Terrace.
The much anticipated Spice it Up! Miami on May 11, 2018, will celebrate Haitian Heritage Month with "Real Men Cook" from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy this interactive, culturally enriched event featuring art, cuisine, cooking demonstrations, drinks, and dancing. This will be your opportunity to learn more about Haitian cuisine and traditional dishes like griot. Join the fun at Caribbean Marketplace at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex.
Lakou Lakay – Mother’s Day Edition is on May 13th and is brought to you by MUCE (Miami Urban Contemporary Experience), the Miami Downtown Development Authority, Little Haiti Cultural Center and Art of Black Miami. The event will be hosted at Bayfront Park from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL. Release your inner artist at stations featuring Paint with Faith, MUCE pallet Pop-up exhibition and Caribbean-inspired Mini-Golf.
Sounds of Little Haiti will take place on May 18, 2018 at 7 p.m. at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 212 NE 59th Terrace. Last year this arts complex turned into an outdoor concert laced with an array of colorful art murals. International performing artist, Wyclef John, graced the stage for Haitian Heritage Month. This year's Artist has yet to be announced.
Haitian Flag Day is May 18, 2018, and The City of North Miami will host the Haitian Flag Day Celebration with an evening in the Plaza, featuring live music, Haitian food vendors, and fun for the entire family. Also, Flag Day will include an educational component — an essay contest about the Haitian American experience will be offered to elementary, middle and high school students. The winners will get cash prizes and will be announced on the main stage. This event will be located at MOCA Plaza, 770 NE 125th Street, North Miami from 5 pm to 8 pm.
The Annual Haitian Compas Festival is not for the wiry. The weekend music festival starts on May 19, 2018 at 4 p.m. and runs through May 20, 2018. It all takes place at MANA Wynwood, 318 NW 23rd Street. There is also an opening party at Cafe Iguana Pines on May 18th.
Be sure to check out the Caribbean Market Days. With the charge to offer a magnetic atmosphere of culture and community liken to the glory days of the "Mache Ayisyen,” the Caribbean Market Days showcase original Afro-Caribbean fashion and accessories, home goods, natural beauty products, books, music, arts, cuisine and more. Caribbean Market Days are every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex.
This festive celebration isn't just for Haitians — it is an opportunity for all to explore the Haitian culture, sample their cuisine, and embrace their rich traditions.