Overview:
“Haiti Across the World” was the theme underneath which a whole lot, together with people from varied generations, within the Tampa Bay space gathered to have fun Haitian Flag Day on Sunday, Might 18. Led by the Tampa-based Larger Haitian American Chamber of Commerce and Haitian American Nurses Affiliation (HANA), the occasion was made doable by means of the collaboration of over 15 native organizations, companies and repair establishments.
TAMPA, Fla. — Lots of of Haitians in Tampa Bay gathered at Al Lopez Park on Sunday, waving blue and crimson flags excessive in celebration of Haitian Flag Day underneath the theme “Haiti Across the World.” The occasion was each a show of nationwide pleasure and a strong expression of cultural resilience—particularly as large-scale celebrations stay almost unattainable in Haiti as a consequence of ongoing instability and gang violence in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.
Led by the Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce (GHACC) and the Haitian American Nurses Association (HANA) of Tampa, the Flag Day festivities introduced collectively over 15 native organizations and establishments. The occasion showcased music, conventional clothes, meals and a collective sense of unity throughout generations.
“That is solely the second version of our occasion right here in Tampa,” stated Esther Germain, board member of the GHACC. “It’s getting higher. You take pleasure in it in the present day. Subsequent yr goes to be rather a lot higher. We is not going to need to go to Miami to have fun. Let’s keep collectively proper right here,” she instructed the group on the finish of the occasion.
The occasion united neighborhood leaders and cultural icons.
“That is solely the second version of our occasion right here in Tampa. It’s getting higher. You take pleasure in it in the present day. Subsequent yr goes to be rather a lot higher. We is not going to need to go to Miami to have fun. Let’s keep collectively proper right here.”
Esther Germain, Board Member of the Larger Haitian American Chamber of Commerce in Tampa
Attendees had been greeted by Haitian American entrepreneurs, educators, immigration legal professionals, well being professionals and performers. Wearing conventional karabela clothes—a ruffled, off-the-shoulder robe typically made with plaid or floral material and traditionally worn for particular events in Haiti—and colourful outfits reflecting the Haitian flag, neighborhood leaders like Germain and the occasion’s MC, Maxon Victor, related with households. Their presence helped bridge the generational hole between youth raised in the USA and elders holding onto their roots.The next are some photos from the occasion, which united the folks with neighborhood leaders, native officers, entrepreneurs, entertainers, well being professionals, educators, immigration legal professionals, and extra:
From music to well being screenings, the celebration provided one thing for all ages. DJ Ronald “DJ Ron/Pouchon” Séjour stored attendees on their toes with an upbeat lineup of Haitian sounds, whereas singer Black Dada electrified the group along with his high-energy efficiency.
Haitian American band Tropical Groove and Konpa dancer Caleb Exantus additionally captivated the viewers.
Well being providers meet heritage pleasure
Members of HANA and native medical groups, together with workers from Creation Well being Medical Heart, carried out on-site well being screenings. Their free providers mirrored the occasion’s deeper objective: empowering the neighborhood by means of tradition and care.
Dr. Joubert Déculmé, a chiropractor based mostly within the space, additionally used the event to share how he helps Haitian households entry wellness providers.
Haitian id on show
Meals was central to the expertise. Native restaurant Sabine’s Gout Kreyòl fed a whole lot with traditional dishes like griyo, taso, makawoni gratine and diri ak djon djon. In the meantime, distributors and artists, together with Debbie Toussaint of Karabela Glam and Daphné Valmond Bourgoin of Atelier Tisaksuk, highlighted Haitian craftsmanship by means of trend and handmade merchandise.
The “Haiti Across the World” occasion in Tampa was a diaspora’s declaration.
“Whereas Haiti continues to face turmoil, occasions like this one replicate the Haitian Diaspora’s unwavering dedication to honoring the homeland,” Edline Pierre, president of HANA, instructed The Haitian Instances. “ In Tampa, the celebration wasn’t nearly music or meals—it was about id, unity and hope.”
With U.S. cities like Miami lengthy acknowledged for main Flag Day parades, West Florida is now asserting itself as a rising hub of Haitian American life. The decision to remain native, construct neighborhood and have fun from inside marks a shift towards regional empowerment.
“That is only the start,” Kenny Juste, a realtor within the space and enterprise associate in Sabine’s Gout Kreyòl, added. “We’re constructing one thing highly effective right here.”