2025 Little Haiti Book Festival

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. NANCY ST. LÉGER is the founder of NSL Dance Ensemble, a performance collective dedicated to preserving authentic Haitian folkloric dance. NSL performers present various dances informed by Haiti’s history of independence, pride, and cultural wealth. The dancers’ bright, beautiful costumes – combined with their bold,…

Poets Fabienne Josaphat and Herold Pierre guide attendees in an exploration of poetic expressions. Featuring a keynote by visual artist Serge Toussaint. FABIENNE JOSAPHAT is the 2023 PEN Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction, and the author of the forthcoming novel Kingdom of No Tomorrow (Algonquin). Her first novel, Dancing in the Baron’s Shadow, was published by Unnamed Press. Her publications include poems in Kitchen Table Quarterly, Grist Journal, Hinchas de Poesia, and Eight Miami Poets,…

Join 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.…

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. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and with vivid memories rooted in the Croix des Bouquets arrondissement, MARIE KETSIA THEODORE-PHAREL is a celebrated Haitian author known for her profound storytelling and contributions to Haitian literature. Her extensive experience as a writer and cultural activist lends depth and meaning to her storytelling,…

Join us for a special edition of Books for Free Storytime featuring Marie Ketsia Theodore-Pharel! It’s all part of a fun-filled family afternoon with hands-on arts and crafts, live music and dance performances, and free books to take home — perfect for kids of all ages!…

Join immigration experts Ira Kurzban and Paul Christian Namphy for an urgent conversation on the realities of immigration policy, deportation trends, and the complexities surrounding Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This panel will unpack recent shifts in U.S. immigration law and their impact on the Haitian diaspora, offering both legal insights and community-based responses.…

Step into the world of Haitian storytelling through theater! In this interactive workshop, acclaimed performers Elizabeth Guerin and Florence Jean-Louis 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.…

Through interactive storytelling, Lucrèce Louisdhon Louinis invites children to explore Haitian heritage and imagination, bridging past and present through powerful, personal tales. Born in Petionville, Haiti, Lucrèce Louisdhon Louinis grew up studying ballet and folk dance. She moved to New York to pursue her degrees at St. John’s University, and after meeting Louinès, joined the Haitian Dance Theater, which took her across the United States, Canada, and Cuba. In 1998, the couple relocated to Florid,a where they continued to teach and create youth programs with a focus on literacy and cultural exchange.…

Delve into the captivating world of Haitian culture with the remarkable NSL Dance Ensemble! Experience a mesmerizing performance that brings to life the most exhilarating and genuine Haitian folk dances. The NSL dancers, celebrated for their dynamic energy and vibrant attire, masterfully convey the essence of Haiti’s heritage, taking you through time and space with every step. Revel in the intricate movements of traditional konpa and the spirited rhythms of rara. Every NSL Dance Ensemble performance is an electrifying homage to the depth and variety found in Haitian culture – and an unforgettable spectacle of rhythm and color!…

Feel the pulse of Haiti through Yanui’s dynamic blend of stories and percussion. A favorite from Tradisyon Lakou Lakay, she invites kids to move, listen, and create rhythm together. YANUI, the driving force behind Tradisyon Lakou Lakay – a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a positive image of Haitian arts and culture – integrates Caribbean, African, and Spanish folk dances into her performances. This approach captivates young learners and encourages them to become proactive contributors to social change.…

Presented by The Children’s Trust and KLOTA, this timely panel explores the evolving identity and future of the Little Haiti neighborhood. Panelists will discuss current challenges and opportunities related to gentrification, education, youth empowerment, and community preservation. Learn how local organizations and residents are working to ensure Little Haiti’s cultural legacy remains strong for future generations. Presented by…

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 from Game Time Ayiti, sparking fun and learning around Haiti’s vibrant past. ASSER SAINT-VAL was born in Port-de-Paix, Haiti, and is an award-winning South Florida-based multidisciplinary artist,…

Embark on a vibrant exploration of Haitian culture with Mecca “Grimo” Marcelin, your guide and emcee for a day that promises more than just entertainment! The charismatic Grimo, with his deep roots and passion for Haitian arts, brings a dynamic energy that resonates with the spirit of Haiti. As he introduces DJ Nickymix’s heart-stirring konpa, roots, and rara sets, Grimo’s stories and insights enrich the atmosphere, creating a profound connection between the music and its cultural origins. This celebration of Haitian heritage is a journey through its rich musical landscape,…

Experience the electric atmosphere brought by DJ Nickymix, a legend in the Haitian music scene and a beloved voice on Haitian radio. From the dynamic sounds of konpa to the soulful beats of roots and the ancestral echoes of rara, he masterfully curates a playlist that embodies Haiti’s indomitable spirit. Join us as we dive into a daylong celebration where every beat tells a story of cultural pride and richness, and feel the energy of the diaspora as we come together to dance,…

Mindful Art educator Alexandra Jeanty-Leclerc will share simple yet effective techniques to calm your mind, reduce stress, and increase focus. Suitable for all experience levels, this workshop offers a welcoming and inclusive space to explore the benefits of a mindful yoga practice. ALEXANDRA JEANTY-LECLERC has carved a niche as a pioneering Mindful Art educator in the heart of Little Haiti, intertwining the ancient practices of meditation and yoga with contemporary art to foster well-being among children. Her unique approach educates and also heals,…