Haitian Flag Day
May 18, Sunday
History of the Holiday
On May 18, 1803, on the final day of the Congress of Arcahaie, revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines tore the white stripe from the French tricolor, symbolizing the rejection of colonial rule. He then handed the remaining blue and red stripes to his goddaughter, seamstress Catherine Flon, who sewed them together to create the new flag. The blue color represented Black citizens, and the red represented mulattoes, united in their fight for freedom.
How Haitian Flag Day is Celebrated
The holiday is widely observed in Haiti and in countries with significant Haitian communities, especially in the United States.
* Ceremonial events at the National Palace in Port-au-Prince.
* Parades and festivals in cities with large Haitian diasporas, such as New York, Miami, Boston, and Tampa.
* Cultural activities, including music, dance, and traditional cuisine.
* Educational programs and exhibitions dedicated to the history and culture of Haiti.
Significance of the Holiday
Haitian Flag Day serves as a reminder of the courage and determination of the Haitian people in their struggle for independence. It also emphasizes the importance of unity and national pride. The holiday fosters the strengthening of cultural identity and the transmission of historical heritage to future generations.