Haïti en Folie festival currently underway in downtown Montreal

Montrealers can now learn more about the Haitian culture, with the 18th edition of the “Haïti en Folie” Festival, currently underway in downtown Montreal.

“It started off as more of a small festival, but we’re celebrating Haitian culture. So throughout music, throughout the food, throughout different parts of culture, like literature, for example. But mainly it’s the music, so that’s what Haïti en Folie is all about,” said Adler Louis-Jean, Artist Coordinator and Communications for the festival.

This year, the festival is commemorating 220 years of Haitian independence in Montreal from July 24 to 28. The theme this year: “VODOU” Tradition.

“We’ve been through a lot of struggles and a lot of beautiful phases as well. We want to commemorate the Bois Caïman, which was the original ritual that really founded the country,” said Louis-Jean.

Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation in 2007, the festival is dedicated to the Haitian and Caribbean culture.

The five-day event will feature Haitian activities and outdoor performances. There will also be a variety of online discussion panels.

“It’s always an opportunity to let other cultures learn about ours,” said one festival attendee.

Despite the rain on Thursday evening, festival goers enjoyed a 5 à 7 at the Jardins Gamelin in downtown Montreal. For Carline Jules, attending the festival was so important to her that she drove all the way from North Carolina to attend.

“Besides the culture, it is one of the things that I plan my schedule around because I live 16 hours away. I come every year, and this is my fourth or fifth year. So, every year, I come,” said Jules.

Another festival goer came to the festival with her family.

“It’s like a yearly festival, so for us, it’s a big opportunity to tell our history through music, through dances, and through the kiosks that we usually have,” she said.

On Thursday, DJ Kayssy took the stage – to share a message – as Haiti has been dealing with escalating gang violence since the end of February.

“Today is very meaningful for me to perform because of what’s going on currently in Haiti. Like every year, unfortunately, I did have a chance to visit my own country, but because of what’s going on right now, it’s not safe. So for me, it’s a cry for help and also an opportunity to share our wonderful culture,” she said.

For more, visit their website.