Flag Day

Haitian Flag Day, celebrated annually on May 18, commemorates the creation of Haiti’s national flag in 1803—a pivotal moment in the country’s fight for independence from French colonial rule. The flag symbolizes unity, resilience, and the birth of the first Black republic in the world.  

The Haitian flag was first created during the Congress of Arcahaie on May 18, 1803. According to tradition, revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines tore the white stripe from the French tricolor, symbolizing a rejection of colonialism. He then had his goddaughter, Catherine Flon, sew the remaining blue and red bands together, representing the union of Black and mixed-race Haitians in the struggle for freedom.  

We celebrated Haitian Flag Day with a special gathering and celebration. The kids sang songs, did a reenactment of the flag’s origin story, had a little lesson on Haitian history and celebrated the beauty and blessing of being Haitian!