A Celebration of History, Culture, and Pride
Haitian Flag Day Parade organized by Haitian American United, Inc in Boston, MA • Mattapan Square, Blue Hill Ave.
May is recognized by Haitians around the world as Haitian Heritage Month. It holds deep historical and cultural significance, rooted in traditions that date back to Haiti’s independence in 1804 and have been passed down from generation to generation.
In recent years, Haitians in Boston, New York, Florida, Philadelphia, and New Jersey have proudly celebrated the month of May with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, conferences, radio and TV programs, festivals, exhibits, and more. It is a month filled with pride, bringing the Haitian community together through vibrant events that create lasting memories—such as the singing of patriotic songs that recall the creation of the blue and red flag, a powerful symbol of unity that made us forever free.
In Haiti, May 1st is celebrated as Labor and Agricultural Day. On this day, workers, artisans, and peasants take to the streets, singing together: “Let’s put shoulder to shoulder for Haiti’s development.”
During the government of President François Duvalier, May 2nd was celebrated as Flowers' Day. Numerous cultural activities took place in the capital's Bicentennial Plaza, which was decorated with flowers and the blue and red colors of the Haitian flag. Renowned artists and musical groups—such as Ti Roro the drummer, Super Jazz des Jeunes, the National Folkloric Dance Troupe, and others—participated in the annual celebration.
Mother's Day is celebrated in Haiti on the last Sunday of May. On that day, Haitians honor their mothers by wearing a red flower if their mother is alive, and a white or purple flower if she has passed away.
May also reminds Haitians of the historic pact signed by Black and Mulatto officers during the Congress of May 1803. At the close of the congress, on May 18, 1803, those officers created the Haitian Flag. Under that flag, they fought and expelled the French army, leading to Haiti becoming the first independent Black country in the world on January 1, 1804.
The Haitian Slave Revolution of August 14, 1791, would never have become the world's only successful slave revolt had it not been for General Toussaint Louverture, born on May 20, 1743. His military genius organized and led enslaved people from victory to victory against the powerful armies of Spain, Great Britain, and France.
U.S. Senator John F. Kerry has recognized the month of May as Haitian Heritage Month in a citation, while Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick proclaimed May as Haitian Heritage Month in the State of Massachusetts. The Mayor of the City of Boston, Thomas M. Menino, proclaims Haitian Heritage Month in Boston every year and sponsors the parade and the Boston Flag Raising ceremony.
In Florida, Haitian Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated by the School Board of Miami-Dade County and supported by the School Board of Broward County. Many other patriotic and cultural activities are held in Chicago, Georgia, Texas, and Philadelphia to acknowledge Haitian Heritage Month.
Marching band during the Haitian Flag Day parade in Boston
A Float during the Haitian Day parade in Brooklyn, NY
The Annual Haitian American Unity Parade of Boston is held each year around May 18. The parade typically departs from Mattapan Square in the early afternoon and continues along dedicated avenues in the area. It features Haitian leaders, state and city officials, marching bands, and delegations from schools, colleges, and universities. Many youth groups; cultural, professional, and religious associations; community, political, and regional organizations; as well as Haitian and American businesses also take part. Another event, the Annual Haitian Flag Raising, is also held each year.
In New York, the Haitian Day Parade usually takes place on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, from Linden Boulevard to Foster Avenue, on the last Sunday of May. Thus, Haitian Heritage Month is truly significant for all Haitians, as they celebrate it with pride and dignity—setting aside their differences—in order to promote and share Haitian culture. As Dr. Carruthers stated, Haiti was the "irritated genie" that avenged the atrocities committed against all African people.
Last update 05-18-2026
