Haitian Flag Day Festival in Arizona: A Celebration of Heritage and Hope

Yesterday, I had the absolute pleasure of joining an amazing celebration in Chandler, Arizona, where the Haitian community came together in full swing for the Second Haitian Flag Day Festival, celebrated on Sunday, May 18th.

The festivities were set to kick off at 4 PM, and while it’s often joked that Haitians like to arrive fashionably late, this time was a pleasant surprise. We rolled in just a few minutes after 4 PM to find the venue already buzzing with energy! The music was pumping, and all the vendors were ready to share their amazing goods. DJ Benz had everyone in the mood for fun, and the excitement was palpable, stretching from the parking lot all the way to the main gathering space at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler, Arizona. 

As soon as we stepped inside, the first DJ was spinning an awesome mix of both classic and modern Haitian konpa hits. The crowd was delightfully swaying to upbeat tracks like Joé Dwèt Filé’s catchy “4 Kanpe,” urging everyone to get up and dance. When DJ Roodz took over, the vibe shifted dramatically, reminding us of lively carnival days, especially those fun times in Champ-de-Mars. The familiar sounds surrounded us with cultural pride and brought back such joyful memories.

How could I forget the soccer game! I’m not sure what happened, but the winning team emerged victorious, bringing back some wonderful memories. I had the chance to taste various dishes from the food vendors, and the food was absolutely delicious.

The turnout was fantastic, with Haitians from all walks of life coming together to celebrate our heritage. I felt a warm sense of pride as I mingled with everyone, sharing laughter and stories that connected us across generations. A huge shout-out goes to the Arizona Haitian Flag Day Festival staff, especially SoRich Entertainment, for organizing such a well-structured event. I’m sure there are a few things that can be improved for next year. Until then, let’s keep applauding this group of change-makers who are making strides to unite and connect the Haitian community here in Arizona.

This gathering was not just about having a good time; it was also a beautiful opportunity to pause and reflect on our rich history and the sacrifices of our ancestors. May 18th is more than just a flag celebration; it’s a tribute to the liberation and enduring spirit of the first black republic. Despite the challenges Haiti faces today, we stood tall, flags waving in the air, united in hope for brighter days ahead for our beloved nation.