Scenes from the Haitian Heritage Month kickoff party in Flatbush Junction

Little Haiti threw down at the Rasin @ The Junction event last weekend with live music, food, art and 'high vibes'

National Haitian Heritage Month kicked off with a party in Brooklyn last week with Rasin @ The Junction, a concert and dance party put on by the Haitian Heritage Parade Committee in partnership with The Melanin Project, The Flatbush Junction Business Improvement District and other community stakeholders.

In true Haitian style, a band kicked off the event with a short street procession of Plezi Rara performing the rara style of festival music unique to Haiti. DJ Hard Hittin’ Harry kept the vibes going with jams throughout the night, interspersed with chants of “if you’re proud of being Haitian then raise your hands!” Around 200 locals and ex-pats were on had for performances by E-Uneek Kebreau, Riva Nyri Précil, and selections from Plezi Rara.

Plezi Rara (Stephanie Keith)

May 18 will mark the 220th anniversary of the creation of the Haitian Flag, and to mark the date, the Haitian Heritage Parade Committee will continue the festivities with its inaugural Haitian Heritage Parade in Central Park.

“The vibes were high, the performances were electrifying, and a good time was definitely had by all who attended,” said Stephanie Pierre, cultural event producer for The Melanin Project. “What we’re doing here and preparing to do on Central Park West from 86th to 72nd street is quite historic and the community knows that.”

Photo by Stephanie Keith

Here are a few scenes from last weekend’s kick off party, which also featured a Creole food corner, live art, and an Afro-Caribbean small goods shop. Brooklyn Magazine is a proud media partner of the Committee.