Flag Day

In Haiti, Flag Day is a major national holiday and is celebrated with great fanfare.

During the early years of the Haitian revolt, there were three different countries that the slaves of the Island of Hispaniola would assist with to control this island. They assisted the Spanish against the French, then they banded with the French against Spain and England and finally they ultimately took on France itself to gain its independence. Through all this, they always carried the flag of who they were banding together with. Later, when they realized it was silly to use the same flag as their enemies, they made their own and agreed on a flag in May 18, 1803. Since then, May 18th is celebrated much like the 4th of July here in the states.

This year the schools of Fond Parisien organized a large parade and celebration that began and finished at the IFM school yard.

The parade marched about three miles, turned around and came back followed by a good portion of the town. Wendy and I took the moto and caught up with them on the way back.

Carefully we weaved through the throngs of people, cars and other motos. 

After returning to the school, they gave one final act. The kids dressed up like police and military personnel.

 

Finishing up with a final salute to the flag that represents their independence.