Haitian Heritage Month is a time to honor Haiti’s profound cultural legacy and recognize the contributions of Haitian communities across the United States. It was first celebrated in Boston in 1998 and later officially recognized by the New York State Assembly in 2022. At the heart of this month-long celebration is Haitian Flag Day on May 18, which marks the creation of the Haitian flag in 1803, symbolizing Haiti’s fight for independence from France.
Whether you’re looking for a cultural performance, a lively dance class, or a taste of authentic Haitian cuisine, here are the events and experiences that will help you celebrate this May.
Flag Day and Cultural Celebrations
Haitian Heritage Month and Flag Day Celebration
An evening of traditional Haitian music, dance, and historical presentations—this community event includes youth performances and cultural showcases.
Address: 1407 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn
Date: Friday, May 16
Time: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Brooklyn Haitian Flag Day Festival
Expect live music and street festivities featuring artists including Danola, Topson, and Gyad.
Address: 1768 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Date: Sunday, May 18
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
RSVP: (347) 485-6297 or sakpasenation@gmail.com
More info here
Haitian Parade NYC
A powerful display of Haitian pride, this colorful parade is curated by Vodou priest and ethnologist Erol Josué and fashion designer Michel Chataigne.
Address: Central Park West (W. 83rd to W. 72nd St), Manhattan
Date: Saturday, May 31
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Dance & Nightlife
Kompa Class & Haitian Flag Day Dance Celebration
Address: Ripley-Grier Studios, 520 8th Ave, 16th floor, Manhattan
Date: Sunday, May 18
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
RSVP here
Haitian Flag Day Party 2025 NYC
Address: Amadeus Nightclub, 79-51 Albion Ave, Queens
Date: Saturday, May 17
RSVP here
Haitian Flag Day Rooftop Day Party
Address: Skybar Rooftop and Lounge, 4506 Pearson St, Queens
Date: Sunday, May 18
Time: 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
RSVP here or text “Rooftop” to 347-921-8580
Haitian Flag Day After Party – Presented by Sak Pase Nation
Address: 1744 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn
Date: Sunday, May 18
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
RSVP here
Iliana’s Haitian Flag Day Fête
Address: Iliana’s Bar Lounge, 15-11 College Point Blvd, Queens
Date: Saturday, May 17
Time: 8:00 – 11:30 p.m.
RSVP here
Haitian Flag Day (Day Party) – Featuring Hard Hittin’ Harry
Address: DéjàVu Haitian Fusion Restaurant Lounge
Date: Sunday, May 18
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (May 19)
RSVP here
Arts & Culture
Rasin Okan – Haitian Heritage Month at Golden Blue
Address: Golden Blue Bar & Restaurant, 2172 Clarendon Rd, Brooklyn
Date: Friday, May 30
Time: 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
RSVP here
REVOLUTIONS: A JazzSpeak Experience
This jazz and spoken word event honors revolutionaries Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Simón Bolívar, featuring: Dan Loomis, Taïna Ligonde, and Jean Mary Brignol
Address: 1407 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn
Date: Sunday, May 25
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. EDT
RSVP here: All Events
Food & Culinary Events
Haitian Restaurant Week – Manje Lakay 2025
You can enjoy a day of traditional Haitian food and shop from a curated market of Haitian-owned businesses.
Address: Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace, 2123 Caton Ave, Brooklyn
Date: Sunday, May 25
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy Some of the Best Haitian Cuisine in NYC
Documented asked Haitian author and culinary curator Nadège Fleurimond what her top five Haitian restaurant recommendations are in NYC. Fleurimond is well known for her book “Haiti Uncovered: A Regional Adventure Into the Art of Haitian Cuisine.” She leads the Haiti Uncovered Culinary Tour every January in Haiti and co-owns the event rental space Fêtes de Fleur and the restaurant BunNan. Featured on Food Network’s “Chopped” and HBO’s “The Big Brunch,” she has also been profiled in Epicurious, Food & Wine Magazine and Condé Nast Traveler.
We are resharing her picks for the best Haitian food in the city.
Chloe’s NYC
Location: 9413 Avenue Brooklyn, NY
Why we like it: While Chloe’s offers many fusion options, the traditional Haitian dishes here are consistently delicious and authentic, packed with flavor. For me, it’s always the seafood legume with white rice and sos pwa (bean sauce). And did we mention the drinks? Chef’s kiss!
DjonDjon Restaurant
Location: 1206 Nostrand Ave Brooklyn NY
Why we like it: This is a great place to dine with friends in the heart of Prospect Lefferts Gardens. You can often catch a live band or local talent performing. The menu is constantly evolving, with both traditional fare and weekly creative additions. The Chiktay Aransò with plantains is my go-to.
BunNan
Location: 2123 Caton Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Why we like it: This place is for you if you are a fan of traditional flavors meeting modern creativity. From succulent Griot (Pork) to Tassot Kabrit (fried goat) to Flavorful Pwason Rose (Red snapper) and more, they’ve packaged yummy Epis-seasoned eats into a Plantain haven. All items are served either on a plantain sandwich, a sweet plantain boat, plantain chips, nachos, or plantain fries. Definitely try the Griot sandwich.
Good Taste
Location: 5919 Flatlands Ave Brooklyn, NY
Why we like it: Good Taste boasts Brooklyn and Queens locations. They offer the taste of home you didn’t know you needed. From traditional dishes like ble (bulgur wheat) to rice and pate kode, you can count on Good Taste to bring you the yummy Haitian goodness you need. Definitely try their Mac and cheese. It’s so soft and flavorful and just melts in your mouth.
Rebel
Location: 29 Clinton Street New York, NY
Why we like it: Getting Haitian food in Manhattan is not an easy feat, but Rebèl in the Lower East Side offers its patrons a taste of Haiti with the funkiness and great vibes of the LES. The food, music, and drinks match to create a perfect backdrop for your dining experience. Try one of their seafood dishes and a Barbancourt cocktail.
