Okap Flavors turns Cap-Haïtien anniversary weekend into a block party | PHOTOS

CAP-HAÏTIEN — It was unexpected to say the least. Attendees at the third edition of Okap Flavors were chatting or strolling between stands when sharp flute notes suddenly cut through the air inside Saint-Joseph High School on Sunday, Aug. 17.

The rara band Layite Rara had burst onto the scene near the entrance, clad in yellow shirts and orange pants glowing in the sunset light. As the music carried, revelers rushed to surround the band. Drinks went up, phones came out, and the crowd danced with abandon.

The third edition of Okap Flavors was the largest one yet as it drew thousands of attendees. 

Media group Sakapfèt Okap started Okap Flavors as an event that provided local food products to diasporas who visited Cap-Haïtien for Diner en Blanc in 2023. But it has now turned into a five-day event with not only food products but also live entertainment. The final day usually takes place on the Sunday after Cap-Haïtien’s anniversary, which is on Aug. 15.

During this year’s final day, local businesses showcased their products, which included everything from pate kòde and fresco to handmade sandals and bracelets. In addition to Layite Rara, local artists or Cap-Haïtien natives also performed, such as DJ Manito, DJ Sam Durag, legendary Orchestre Tropicana d’Haiti and more. Non-Cap-Haïtien native Erol Josué also put up a memorable singing performance. 

Relive some of the moments of the last day of Okap Flavors in these images below.

DJ Sam Durag performing in front of his Mac laptop during the third edition of Okap Flavors at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A reveler smiling while holding a small water jug on top of his head at Saint-Joseph High School during the third edition of Okap Flavors on Aug. 17, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times Attendees of the 2025 edition of Okap Flavors recording the crowd of a rara band at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A chef from the Gou Zanmitay (Tasty Friendship) restaurant holding a plate of pate kòde during the third edition of Okap Flavors at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times Four young men play a game of foosball at Saint-Joseph High School during the 2025 edition of Okap Flavors on Aug. 17, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A güira player from the Layite Rara band drenched in sweat during the third edition of Okap Flavors at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A man and a woman playing pool together at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025, during the third edition of Okap Flavors. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A father and a son posing for a photo together at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025, during the third edition of Okap Flavors. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A woman fixing necklaces for sale during the third edition of Okap Flavors at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A sea of revelers mixed with members of the Layite Rara band playing during the third edition of Okap Flavors at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A woman watching a soccer ball go after taking a shot toward a net on the basketball court at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025, during the third edition of Okap Flavors. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A man holding the ball still before taking a shot during the third edition of Okap Flavors at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A young man and a woman playing table hockey at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025, during the third edition of Okap Flavors. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A woman smiling next to handmade bracelets during the third edition of Okap Flavors at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A man pouring a drink into a cup for a customer at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025, during the third edition of Okap Flavors. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times A model dressed as a bridesmaid during a short fashion show, which had “wedding day” as a theme during the third edition of Okap Flavors at Saint-Joseph High School on Aug. 17, 2025. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times

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