The goddess of spring has arrived! In the US, we look forward to celebrating Cinco de Mayo in May which is a yearly celebration held on the 5th of the month. Cinco de Mayo Celebrates Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 which was led by General Ignacio Zaragoza. In this article, I would like to talk about Haitian Flag Day, another holiday that is becoming very popular worldwide.
Haitian Flag Day (French: La fête du drapeau Haïtien) is celebrated annually on 18 May, which is the anniversary of the date when the Haitian flag was adopted in 1803. Throughout the world, and several cities of the United States with a large Haitian population, Haitian Flag Day is celebrated with pride, honor and respect.
Every year, a Haitian Day Parade is organized at the Toussaint Louverture Boulevard (Nostrand Avenue) in Brooklyn, New York. This parade was started by the Haitian-American Carnival Association in 2002 and was followed by a festival promoting Haitian culture, including its music and food.
Other cities that observe the celebrations of Haiti include Boston which commemorates the struggles during the Haitian Heritage Month in May every year. Floridian cities including Miami, Tampa, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Myers also have events to promote Haitian culture. Miami’s MOCA Plaza (Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami) celebrations are famous for featuring Haitian-American celebrities, artists, musicians, entertainers, and political personalities.
Traditional foods prepared on Haitian Flag Day include Griot (cubed pork shoulder seasoned with Scotch Bonnet Chiles), Banan Peze (fried smashed plantains), and black rice made with djon-djon mushrooms that grow in Haiti. First generation kids say that Flag Day is their favorite Haitian holiday after Haiti Independence Day which is celebrated on January 1st!
By looking at the current Haiti Flag, it has two horizontal bands colored blue and red, and white rectangular with the coat of arms of Haiti. The coat of arms has weapons like cannons and swords on top of a green hill, a palm tree that symbolizes independence, and the Cap of Liberty underneath the palm tree.
Written By: Catherine Corrado – Undergraduate Graphic Design Student Fairleigh Dickinson University
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