It’s Haitian Heritage Month! Celebrate throughout May at these events around Miami
This year’s celebration of Haitian Heritage Month coincides with 50 years of Haitian migration to South Florida and features events highlighting the rise and accomplishments of the community.
“Haitian Heritage Month is a time for all of us to come together and celebrate the incredible contributions that Haitian Americans have made to our community,” said Prinston Jean-Glaude, chairman of the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida.
The Chamber hosted a celebration on Sunday, April 30 in downtown Miami featuring Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. The group partnered with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien of District 2 for the evening, which showcased Haitian dance and culture.
The chamber along with other community organizations have promised something for everyone as part of this year’s calendar of events: From a kick-off celebration at the Perez Art Museum to conversations at the Miami Shores Library and the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center about what is happening in Haiti where gangs have overtaken much of the capital, to a workshop for writers to Compas Fest, which is celebrating 25 years.
And of course there is May 18, Haitian Flag Day when Haitians show their colors by waving their flags. This year, the organizers of the Haitian Compas Festival will also host an invitation-only gathering on that day: 25th Anniversary Hall of Fame and Living Legend VIP opening ceremony.
The following day, on May 19, the community is invited to attend Sounds of Little Haiti where legendary band Tabou Combo will join with T-Vice for a night of konpa at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex.
The month rounds out with the Haitian Mother’s Day celebration on May 28, and the annual Haitian Heritage History Bee at the Stephen P. Clark Center in downtown Miami where Miami-Dade County public school students will be tested on the history of Haiti and Haitians’ contributions.
Haitian History Month events:
“Häiti: Imperishable. Ayiti: Pap Peri”
Enjoy this exhibit and mini expo showcasing beautiful, decorative accessories and goods from recycled material. Curated by Caribbean-Craft, the show features contemporary and modern handmade pieces.
Through May at Galvin Community Center, 1600 NE 126th St., North Miami
Konpa Classes
Learn Haitian Kompa, the modern meringue dance of Haiti.
6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. every Wednesday in May at North Miami Public Library, 835 NE 132 St., North Miami
“Create Dangerously”
Miami New Drama presents this adaptation of the award-winning book by Miami’s own Edwidge Danticant directed by Tony Award nominee Lilena Blain-Cruz.
May 4-28 at Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; miaminewdrama.org; $46.50-$76.50.
Thursdays at PAMM: Haitian Heritage Night
Enjoy a live set by DJ Gardy Girault celebrating the diverse music of Haiti with a distinctive merging of Afro-Haitian Rara rhythms and electronic house music, which he refers to as “Rara Tech,” and a performance by Tradisyon Lakou Lakay. Also see a flag display sharing the history of the Haitian flag.
6–10:30 p.m. May 4 at PAMM, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
MOCA Mini Makers
In celebration of Haitian Heritage Month, children will create artwork inspired by a Haitian artist.
2-4 p.m. May 6 at MOCA Plaza, 770 NE 125 St., North Miami
Little Haiti Book Festival
The book fair is a celebration of the literary arts and cultural heritage of Haiti and the Little Haiti community in Miami with a range of activities, including book readings, panel discussions, and music and dance performances.
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 7. Online events Sunday, May 21 and Sunday, May 28 at Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 212 NE 59th Terr., Miami
Haitian Heritage Month Guest Story time
Story time hosted by a special guest every Wednesday in May. Guest readers will read a children’s book written by a Haitian author or a story relating to Haitian heritage and culture.
3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Every Wednesday from May 17-31, North Miami Public Library, 835 NE 132 St., North Miami
Get in Gear Community Bike Ride
Experience a scenic ride throughout North Miami; water breaks are sponsored by local Haitian-owned businesses.
8:30-10 a.m. May 13 MOCA Plaza, 770 NE 125 St., North Miami
PAMM Free Second Saturdays: Haitian Heritage Month
Explore Haiti’s deep roots in South Florida and its beautiful language, people, and culture, all while creating art on the museum’s waterfront terrace. Enjoy performances by local Haitian drumming groups, a celebration of Kreyòl poetry, and Haitian music. Bring a poem to participate in the Kreyol poetry celebration and join in the drumming circle.
11 a.m.–3 p.m. May 13 at PAMM, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Resistance and Resilience Haitian Flag Day Celebration
Learn about Haitian history and culture, enjoy music, food and dance.
11 a.m. -1 p.m. Miami Dade College North Campus, 113800 NW 27th Ave., Lehman Theatre, Building 5000
Haitian Flag Day Celebration
Enjoy live music, good food, and amazing Haitian vendors in celebration of Haitian Flag Day.
4-11 p.m. May 18 MOCA Plaza, 770 NE 125 St., North Miami
Haitian Flag Day Celebration
Expect a colorful celebration of Haitian history with food, music, and dancing.
6-9 p.m. May 18 at Scale Up 305, 10750 NW 6th Ct., Miami
Sounds of Little Haiti
Fans of Haitian music are invited to come dance and celebrate Haitian culture with live performances by Tabou Combo and T-Vice. Advance tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.
6- 11 p.m. May 19 at the Little Haiti Culture Complex, 212 NE 59 Terr.
Haitian Compas Festival
The biggest show for compas (or konpa) lovers in celebration of Haitian Flag Day. The line up includes Kodak Black, Kai, T Vice, Nu Look, Klass and many more.
May 20 at Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; www.haitiancompasfestival.com; Tickets start at $25.
Jazz at MOCA
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of JAZZ at MOCA, featuring The CieL Experience and bandleader Claudens Louis, North Miami’s very own Haitian American saxophonist. Live music, good food, and Haitian vendors.
7-9 p.m. May 26 AT MOCA Plaza, 770 NE 125 St., North Miami
Haitian Heritage Month Comedy Show
Enjoy Haitian Heritage Month with a good laugh with well-known Haitian comedians.
7:30-10 P.M. May 26 at North Miami Senior High School, 13110 NE 8 Ave., North Miami
North Miami Commission for Women Mothers’ Day Brunch
Celebrate Haitian Mothers’ Day with a special brunch sponsored by the North Miami Commission for Women.
10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. May 27 at Scott Galvin Community Center, 1600 NE 126 St., North Miami
Haitian Mother’s Day
The event celebrates the matriarchs of Haitian culture. This event will feature traditional Haitian cuisine, fashion, and live music and host family-friendly activities.
Noon-3 p.m. May 28 at the Father Gerard Jean Juste Community Center, 690 NE 159th St., Miami
Haitian Heritage History Bee
This event will shine a light on the rich history of Haiti and its numerous contributions. Miami-Dade County Public School students will compete and showcase their knowledge of the rich cultural legacy of Haiti.
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. May 31 at Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1st St., Miami
