Haitian Heritage Month is celebrated by the Haitian diaspora around the world to commemorate Haitian history, heritage, and culture. The month of May festivities are a carryover of the island’s Haitian Flag Day, a national holiday dating back to the early 1800s when the island gained its independence.
Haitian Heritage Month has been celebrated in cities across the United States for many years but this is the first time it will be officially recognized in the City of Philadelphia.
This May, the City of Philadelphia and community organizations are hosting celebrations as part of Haitian Heritage Month! See some of these events listed below.
Haitian Flag Day Celebration & Haitian Heritage Month Proclamation
Thursday, May 18 | 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
City Hall North Apron, 1600 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Join Philadelphia’s Haitian community, the Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs, and the Philadelphia Office of the City Representative for a flag-raising to commemorate Haitian Flag Day. The program is part of the Philadelphia Honors Diversity Flag Raising program.
Additionally, Councilmembers Jamie Gauthier and Anthony Phillips will join community members on Haitian Flag Day to proclaim May as Haitian Heritage Month in Philadelphia for the first time.
The event will include remarks by Haitian community leaders, City officials, cultural music and performances, and more.
Haitian Flag Day is observed every year on May 18.
PHL Haiti Phest 2023
Saturday, May 20 | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m
Max Myers Recreation Center, 1601 Hellerman Street
Join community members at Max Myers Recreation Center in Northeast Philadelphia for a full day of family-friendly activities and programs. The Haiti Phest will feature a soccer tournament, health resources, immigration resources, activities for children, food, music, and remarks from elected officials and community leaders.
Partners in the event include the Haitian Multi-Cultural Heritage of Philadelphia organization, the Haitian Americans in Law Enforcement Association, the Philadelphia Police Department, and more.
Northeast Philadelphia is an important cultural hub for Philadelphia’s Haitian community. Many Philadelphia Haitians reside in Northeast Philadelphia and have businesses located in this section of the city.
Speakers will highlight the significance of Haitian Flag Day and share information about resources available to the community.
Open House for Philadelphia Haitian American Chamber of Commerce
Saturday, May 20 | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Philadelphia Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, 7135 Rising Sun Ave
Visit the offices of the Philadelphia Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce to learn about their resources and programs to help Haitian business owners in the Philadelphia area. The open house is also an opportunity to network with Haitian business owners and others.
