Haitian Heritage Month
Haitian Heritage Month is a nationally recognized month and an opportunity for individuals including Haitians and lovers of the the Haitian culture to celebrate the rich culture, distinctive art, delicious food and learn the traditions of Haiti and its people. The celebration is an expansion of the Haitian Flag Day on May 18th, a major patriotic day celebration in Haiti and the Diaspora created to encourage patriotism.
Haitian Populations
In recent decades, the United States has experienced a significant increase in the number of immigrants from Haiti. While just 5,000 Haitians lived in the United States in 1960, migrants from Haiti began arriving in larger numbers following the collapse of the Jean-Claude Duvalier dictatorship in the late 1980s.
Most Haitian immigrants in the United States arrived before the earthquake and have formed well-established communities in Florida and New York. From 1990 to 2015, the Haitian immigrant population tripled in size (see Figure 1). In 2015, Haitians were the fourth largest group from the Caribbean, after immigrants from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.
Figure. Haitian Immigrant Population in the United States, 1980-2015
Source: Data from U.S. Census Bureau 2010 and 2015 American Community Surveys (ACS), and 1980, 1990, and 2000 Decennial Census.
Haitians in Florida
The United States Census reports that Florida is home to the largest Haitian population so it comes as no surprise that celebrations in Miami are like nowhere else in the country. We have street festivals, learning sessions, author panels, art ex
hibitions, films, musical concerts and Haitian cultural activities for all to enjoy.
If you want to participate in some of the multiple activities to celebrate this heritage month, we recommend you to visit:
- Activities in Miami Beach
- Haitian Compas Festival
- Sounds of Little Haiti
- Be sure to check out the Caribbean Market Days.
Enjoy it!
Additional Resources: