Little Haiti Book Festival 2025

In The Marketplace

• ALL DAY BOOK FAIR – This bustling destination is packed with exhibitors, food vendors, and a book fair featuring local authors and publishers with books in English, Haitian Creole, and French.

In The Courtyard

• ALL DAY HEART-PUMPING HAITIAN BEATS WITH DJ NICKYMIX Desde los sonidos dinámicos del konpa hasta los ritmos conmovedores del roots y los ecos ancestrales del rara, DJ Nickymix selecciona con maestría una lista de reproducción que encarna el espíritu de Haití.
• ALL DAY DISCOVER THE MAGIC – A cultural ambassador and creative advocate, Mecca “Grimo” Marcelin will entertain and guide you through the event as you enjoy DJ Nickymix’s heart-pumping beats.
• ALL DAY FREE BOOKS FOR KIDS – Courtesy of Miami Book Fair and The Children’s Trust’s Books for Free program.
• 1 P.M. A PERFORMANCE FROM NSL DANCE ENSEMBLE – Featuring vibrant and authentic Haitian folk dances that will transport you to another time and place.
• 3:30 P.M. LIVE MUSIC WITH PAPALOKO & LORAY MISTIK – This joyful, rhythm-driven celebration brings the festival to a powerful close. Led by Haitian artist and musician Papaloko, Loray Mistik blends traditional Haitian rhythms with Afro-Caribbean soul and spiritual energy. Their performances are known for their electrifying percussion, powerful vocals, and messages of unity, ancestry, and resistance.

In The Theater

• 12 P.M. EL FUTURO DE LA PEQUEÑA HAITÍ – Presented by El Fideicomiso para la Infancia y KLOTA, En esta mesa redonda de gran actualidad se analiza la identidad cambiante y el futuro del barrio de Little Haiti. Los ponentes debatirán sobre los retos y oportunidades actuales relacionados con la gentrificación, la educación, el empoderamiento de los jóvenes y la preservación de la comunidad. Descubra cómo las organizaciones locales y los residentes están trabajando para garantizar que el legado cultural de Little Haiti se mantenga vivo para las generaciones futuras.
• 2 P.M. RETOUNEN LAKAY: PROTECTED STATUS, POLICY SHIFTS & DEPORTATION – Join immigration experts Ira Kurzban y Paul Christian Namphy para un debate urgente sobre la realidad de la política migratoria, las tendencias en materia de deportación y las complejidades que rodean al Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS). Este panel analizará los recientes cambios en la legislación migratoria de EE. UU. y su impacto en la diáspora haitiana, ofreciendo tanto perspectivas jurídicas como respuestas desde la comunidad.

In The Dance Studio

• 11 A.M. MEDITATION & YOGA FOR ALL AGES – Mindful Art educator Alexandra Jeanty-Leclerc comparte técnicas sencillas pero efectivas para calmar la mente, reducir el estrés y aumentar la concentración. Apto para todos los niveles de experiencia, este taller ofrece un espacio acogedor e inclusivo para explorar los beneficios de una práctica de yoga consciente.
• 1 P.M. HAITIAN THEATER WORKSHOP – Step into the world of Haitian storytelling through theater! In this interactive workshop, acclaimed performers Elizabeth Guerin y Florence Jean-Louis Dupuy will guide participants in exploring traditional and contemporary performance styles. From character building to expressive movement, this session invites all ages to engage with Haiti’s rich theatrical heritage in a fun, hands-on environment.
• 3:30 P.M. CONTEMPORARY HAITIAN DANCE WITH NANCY ST. LEGER – The founder of NSL Dance Ensemble will guide you through a series of movements and choreography designed to help you connect with the rhythm and spirit of Haiti, providing you with a deeper understanding of the art form.

In The Children’s Alley

• ALL DAY CREATE! Kids Art-Making Studio with GO GO MOAD – Immerse your children in Haitian art and culture while fostering their creativity! This year’s activity invites participants to reflect on identity, belonging, and resilience through collaborative artwork. Led by artist Asser Saint-Val, children will express stories of home, culture, and memory. Plus, enjoy engaging historical puzzles desde Game Time Ayiti, sparking fun and learning around Haiti’s vibrant past.
• 11 A.M. STORYTELLING & BEIGNETS WITH LILIANE NERETTE LOUIS – Cultural ambassador Liliane Nérette Louis brings laughter and tradition to life with Haitian folktales – accompanied by a sweet treat! Gather around for a cozy, delicious session of tim-tim bwa sèch and beignets!
• 12 P.M. STORYTELLING, RHYTHM & DRUMS WITH YANUI – Feel the pulse of Haiti through Yanui’su dinámica mezcla de historias y percusión. Una favorita de Tradición de la Casa de la Comunidad, ella invita a los niños a moverse, escuchar y crear ritmo juntos.
• 1 P.M. ONCE UPON A TIME IN HAITI WITH LUCRÈCE LOUISDHON LOUINIS – Through interactive storytelling, Lucrèce Louisdhon Louinis invites children to explore Haitian heritage and imagination, bridging past and present through powerful, personal tales.
• 2 P.M. A FISH CALLED TANGA WITH MARIE KETSIA THEODORE-PHAREL – Author Marie Ketsia Theodore-Pharel shares her beloved children’s book A Fish Called Tanga, a tale that captures the magic of storytelling, memory, and underwater adventure, rooted in Haitian culture.
• 3 P.M. SPECIAL READING WITH COMMISSIONER MARLEINE BASTIEN – Unirse Miami Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien for a special storytime session. Her presence and selection reflect a deep love of community, family, and Haitian identity – perfect for the whole family.

In The Gallery

• 3 P.M. HAITI IN MY HEART: EKPHRASTIC POETRY WORKSHOP – Poets Fabienne Josaphat y Herold Pierre guide attendees in an exploration of poetic expressions. Featuring a keynote by visual artist Serge Toussaint.