Bòn Fèt Drapo! It’s Haitian Heritage Month, and to celebrate Haitian Flag Day, you’ll want to head down to Spring Valley.
Spring Valley’s Haitian Cultural Heritage Preservation, Inc. is hosting its annual Parade of Unity and Community Festival starting at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18, in Spring Valley Memorial Park.
Of interest: Celebrate Haitian Heritage Month at events in Spring Valley, White Plains and New Rochelle
What is Haitian Flag Day and why is it celebrated?
May was declared Haitian Heritage Month by New York Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023. The month coincides with Haitian Flag Day on May 18, which observes the anniversary of the adoption of the Haitian flag and to commemorate the Haitian Revolution of 1803.
What to know about Haitian Cultural Heritage Preservation’s parade
Each year, nearly 10,000 people attend Rockland County’s biggest multi-ethnic festival. Over 35 groups will be in attendance this year, including local organizations, churches, marching bands, restaurants and other small businesses.
Big crowds turned out for the 2024 parade, which hundreds of people marching along Main Street in Spring Valley to Memorial Park, where festgoers enjoyed live music, vendors and delicious Haitian food.
If you go: Parade of Unity and Community Festival
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18.
Where: Memorial Park, 7 Memorial Park Dr., Spring Valley.
Cost: Free to attend.
More info: Go to hchpinc.org.
Contributing: lohud’s Ashley Fontones
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Spring Valley NY: Celebrate Haitian Flag Day at parade, festival