Caribbean News
Millions around the World are getting set to Celebrate Haitian Flag Day in a Monumental way
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
May 15, 2025 – While there is no official global count of participants, it’s estimated that over 3.5 million Haitians living outside Haiti will commemorate Haitian Flag Day on May 18, 2025, alongside the nearly 12 million residents of Haiti itself, according to online sources.
Haitian Flag Day, observed annually on May 18, celebrates the creation of the Haitian flag in 1804 during the Haitian Revolution. The day is marked by parades, cultural festivals, and community gatherings both in Haiti and across the global Haitian diaspora.
In the United States, cities with significant Haitian populations host major celebrations. Brooklyn’s Haitian Culture Day Parade and Festival attracts over 10,000 attendees annually, featuring music, dance, and Haitian cuisine. Similarly, Miami’s Little Haiti Cultural Complex hosts events showcasing Haitian music, dance, and art.
In London, celebrations are listed for Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Pavilion Hall, located at 25 Avenue Road, South Norwood Lakes, London,
SE25 4DX, starting at 3:00 PM. Organized by the Haitian Heritage Group UK, this gathering aims to honor Haiti’s Flag Day—a significant occasion commemorating the creation of the Haitian flag in 1803 during the nation’s fight for independence from France. The event will feature cultural performances, music, and community activities celebrating Haitian heritage and pride.
Tickets are priced at £8.00 and must be purchased in advance. These events not only honor Haitian heritage but also strengthen community bonds and cultural pride among Haitians worldwide.
Not to be outdone, Paris, France is set to host a significant Haitian Flag Day celebration on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The event, known as the Caribbean Flag Festival, is expected to draw over 1,000 attendees, highlighting the vibrant Haitian community in the city.
Haitian Flag Day Celebrations in Canada are many. We begin in Montreal, Quebec which is home to one of the largest Haitian communities in Canada, will host multiple events including Haitian Flag Day Fest Montreal which is organized by Natyf TV; it’s to be held on Saturday.
There are also cultural displays like the one in Alberta to commemorate the 222nd Haitian Flag Day with a celebration on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Hellenic Banquet Hall. The event will feature cultural performances, music, and community engagement. It’s hosted by the Haiti Association of Calgary.
Canada will also colour the Falls. In a symbolic tribute, Niagara Falls will be illuminated in red and blue, the colors of the Haitian flag, on May 18, 2025, from 10:15 AM to 10:30 PM. This gesture honors Haitian Flag Day and the contributions of the Haitian community in Canada.
Some of Haiti’s most famous people are: Toussaint Louverture – Leader of the Haitian Revolution, instrumental in Haiti becoming the first Black republic and the first country to abolish slavery; Jean-Jacques Dessalines – Founding father of Haiti; declared the country’s independence in 1804 and became its first ruler; Henri Christophe – Key general in the revolution and later King of northern Haiti and Catherine Flon – Credited with sewing the first Haitian flag in 1803. On the music and art scenes: Wyclef Jean – Grammy-winning musician, producer, and former member of The Fugees. A strong advocate for Haiti; Michaëlle Jean – Former Governor General of Canada (2005–2010), born in Haiti; Emeline Michel – Acclaimed Haitian singer known as the “Queen of Haitian Song”; T-Vice – Popular Haitian band known for their impact on compas music and unforgettable, the iconic sound that helped catapult Salt-N-Pepa to fame—especially their breakout hit “Push It”—was significantly shaped by Haitian-American Hurby “Luv Bug” Azor.
Actors and Entertainers from Haiti include: Jimmy Jean-Louis – Haitian actor known for roles in Heroes, Fat Girls, and international films and Garcelle Beauvais – Actress, model, and TV personality, known for The Jamie Foxx Show and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Haiti is also proud of these Intellectuals and Writers: Edwidge Danticat – Renowned Haitian-American author of Breath, Eyes,
Memory and The Dew Breaker and Frankétienne – Influential writer, poet, and playwright; pioneer of the spiralisme literary movement. On the list of most notable athletes with Haitian roots are: Naomi Osaka – While primarily identifying as Japanese-Haitian, the tennis star often acknowledges her Haitian roots and Jeff Louis – Haitian footballer who played for several European clubs and the national team.
An honourable mention in the sports category has to be NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who has won multiple championships as leader of the Golden State Warriors. Curry’s mother is Haitian-born.
A recent famous addition to the long list of accomplished people from Haiti, is the newly elected Roman Catholic pontiff, Pope Leo XIV whose Haitian-American heritage is making social media rounds.
Haiti has long been an influence on the world, and though the republic has many times fallen into disarray, there is no denying its impact and indomitability.
It is the world’s first successful slave revolt, leading to the first independent Black republic. Haiti, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean region, is also credited with inspired liberation movements across Latin America and the Caribbean and is the first country to permanently abolish slavery.
It is home to the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere: Citadelle Laferrière and we are so in love with its music, Kompa and its food including Griot.
We wish the people of Haiti well as the nation of millions pushes past the current darkness, and it is very dark, to embrace the steady light of a new life that can be crafted with faith, focus and help from family and friends.
Happy Haitian Flag Day – “Lavi se pa blanch — men li toujou bèl” – which means life isn’t perfect, but life is beautiful!
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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