The streets of Brooklyn will burst with music, color and Caribbean spirit on Saturday, May 10, as thousands are expected to gather for the Sixth Annual Haitian Cultural Day Parade.
The celebration, presented by nonprofit Life of Hope (Ayiti Nou La Toujou) in partnership with Citi Health, returns with the theme “One Love, One Haiti,” highlighting the resilience, pride and unity of the Haitian community in Brooklyn and beyond. The event is free and open to all.
The parade steps off at 11:00am from the intersection of Nostrand Avenue, renamed Toussaint L’Ouverture Blvd., and Church Avenue, renamed Pierre Toussaint Blvd, according to a press release. It will wind through Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean and Little Haiti districts before ending at the Flatbush/Nostrand Junction at Hillel Place Plaza.
Following the parade, the celebration continues with a free, family-friendly festival at Hillel Place Plaza from noon to 5:00pm. The festivities include live musical performances, dancing, arts and crafts, face painting, food and local vendors.
Headlining this year’s event are the internationally acclaimed konpa band T-Vice and Raboday performer AndyBeatz. DJ Hard Hittin Harry will host the stage, featuring open mic sessions, traditional dance and performances by local artists and cultural groups.
The Haitian Cultural Day Parade draws more than 10,000 attendees annually and serves as a cornerstone of Haitian Heritage Month.
"May is recognized as Haitian Heritage Month in New York State and the Haitian Culture Day Parade is more than just a celebration — it’s a powerful acknowledgment of the resilience, history and immense contributions of the Haitian-American community in New York," said the event's organizers in a statement. "Now held in Brooklyn’s officially recognized Little Haiti District, this event serves as a bridge between cultural pride and community empowerment."
