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One woman. One flag. One idea.
Catherine Flon gave Haiti its symbol.
The people gave it art, music, and flavor.
The Flag
In 1803, in Arcahaie, Haiti, Catherine Flon created the first Haitian flag. She was the goddaughter of revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines. Her act marked a turning point.
What followed was not just a flag waving. It was an unlocking.
Haitian art exploded. Haitian music found its voice. Haitian cuisine became a treasure loved around the world.
The Culture
| Art | Haitian painting, ironwork, and sequined drapo flags are bold, vibrant, and unmistakable. |
| Music | Kompa, Rara, Twoubadou — rhythms that travel from Port-au-Prince to the DMV. |
| Food | Soup joumou (freedom soup). Griot (fried pork). Pikliz (spicy slaw). Sos pwa (bean sauce). Haitian cuisine is African, French, and Creole all at once. |
Where to Go (May 16-18)
Saturday, May 16
Bienvenue En Ayiti – The Strand, DC (10pm - 3am)
DjazLakay Day Party – ThrowSocial DC (3pm - 10pm)
Haitian Flag Day Celebration – Citadel Creole Cuisine, Silver Spring.
Sunday, May 17
Community Commemoration & March of Light – Silver Spring to Wheaton (9am - 2pm)
Zanmeh featuring Joseph "Fanfan" Louis – Motor House, Baltimore (4pm - 7pm)
Monday, May 18
Fèt Drapo Happy Hour – DC (4pm - 8pm)
The Performance: Zanmeh
The word "Zanmeh" roughly translates to "Friends" (the correct Kreyòl spelling is "Zanmi"). The group lives up to the name — breaking free from conventional norms while keeping their creative edge.
The members:
Keith Brown – sax
Felix Augustin – congas, percussion
Joseph Frantz Louis – guitar, vocals, production.
When: Sunday, May 17, 4pm - 7pm
Where: Motor House, 120 W North Ave, Baltimore
Haitian Flag Day is about art, music, and community. Zanmeh is all three.
Catherine Flon made a flag.
Haiti made a culture.
The DMV is dancing in it.
Go eat. Go listen. Go celebrate.
#HaitianFlagDay #CatherineFlon #HaitianFood #Zanmeh #MotorHouse #CitadelCreole #DMVEvents #CulturalDMV
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