Haitian communities across the United States and abroad marked Haitian Flag Day during the month of May with parades, concerts, festivals and cultural gatherings celebrating Haiti’s history, resilience and artistic traditions.
One of the standout celebrations took place in Brooklyn, where Haitian Cultural Exchange hosted an evening of live performances featuring former and current Artists in Residence against the backdrop of Prospect Park Lake and the Lullwater Bridge.
The event featured performances by Rasin Okan, Michèle Aimée, Okai, Markus Schwartz, Bobby Raymond, Monvelyno, Sylvain Leroux and Linda EPO alongside bassist Matt Gilmartin.
Singer-songwriter Mikaëlle Aimée performed an acoustic set rooted in Haitian folk traditions while Linda EPO energized the crowd with multilingual performances blending jazz, troubadour and contemporary influences.
The celebration reflected Haitian Cultural Exchange’s broader mission of preserving and promoting Haitian culture through music, dance and artistic programming in New York City.
Earlier this month, the Boston City Council officially recognized May as Haitian Heritage Month and May 18 as Haitian Flag Day, passing a resolution honoring Haiti’s history and the growing contributions of Haitian and Haitian American communities across the city.
Officials said the recognition serves both as a celebration of Haitian culture and a reminder of the resilience of Haitian communities in Boston and beyond. They pointed to moments of Haitian pride and visibility in sports and culture, including support for Haiti’s national soccer team, Haiti national football team, and Haitian-themed events planned at Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium during the month.
Just a week before Flag Day, under cloudy skies and occasional rain, a Rara band led the parade down Nostrand Avenue from Church Avenue to Flatbush Junction on May 9, kicking off the seventh annual Haitian Culture Day in Brooklyn.
Organized by the Brooklyn nonprofit Life of Hope, the event drew participants from across the city. The event has drawn more than 10,000 people in past years. This year, the number of floats grew from seven to 20.
From rain-soaked performances to moments of community joy and reflection, here are some scenes from Haitian Flag Day celebrations captured in photos:
Michèle Aimée and Bobby Raymond performing at the Haiti Cultural Exchange Flag Day concert at the Prospect Park Boathouse, May 20th, 2026.
Linda EPO put a jazzy twist on twobadou classic “Haiti Cherie” to the delight of the audience at the Haiti Cultural Exchange Flag Day celebration.
Rasin Okan drummers performing at the Haiti Cultural Exchange Flag day celebration, May 20th
Haitian Music fans at the Flag Day celebration, May 20th, 2026
One of the many vendors at the Haiti Cultural Center Flag Day celebration withSe Lakay pate de piment on sale.
Costumed riders aboard a float on Nostrand Avenue during the seventh annual Haitian Culture Day parade in Brooklyn, Saturday, May 9, 2026. Photo by Allison Hunter for The Haitian Times.
Young riders peer above the crowd on a float during the seventh annual Haitian Culture Day parade in Brooklyn, Saturday, May 9, 2026. Photo by Allison Hunter for The Haitian Times. 
Boston community members raising the Haitian Flag during the flag-raising ceremony at Boston City Hall Plaza on May 15, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s Office/John Wilcox
Boston community members raising the Haitian Flag during the flag-raising ceremony at Boston City Hall Plaza on May 15, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s Office/John Wilcox
Boston community members raising the Haitian Flag during the flag-raising ceremony at Boston City Hall Plaza on May 15, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s Office/John Wilcox
Boston community members raising the Haitian Flag during the flag-raising ceremony at Boston City Hall Plaza on May 15, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s Office/John Wilcox
Boston community members raising the Haitian Flag during the flag-raising ceremony at Boston City Hall Plaza on May 15, 2026. Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s Office/John Wilcox
A crowd celebrating Haitian Flag day. Photo by Allison Hunter for The Haitian Times. 
Brothers High Rara Band celebrating Haitian Flag day. Photo by Allison Hunter for The Haitian Times. The post Haitian Flag Day celebrations showcase culture, music and resilience | PHOTOS appeared first on The Haitian Times.
Via Haitian Times
Read original article
Comments (0)
Add a Comment
No comments yet