Haitian Flag Day Parade Set for 7 p.m. on Friday

Matt Little, Public Information Specialist
(954) 828-4732 or MLittle@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale - Celebrants will be carrying flags and marching in elaborate ethnic garments, parading along with floats, a police motorcycle unit, a percussion band and the Police Mounted Unit as Fort Lauderdale residents commemorate Haitian Flag Day on Friday.

The City of Fort Lauderdale has partnered with community and religious leaders to organize a parade that has a dual purpose: to celebrate Haitian heritage and to address problems with crime in the neighborhoods.

The slogan on the Haitian flag reads, “L’union Fait La Force,” which translates to “In unity we find strength.”   Organizers plan to use the symbolism to warn drug dealers that members of the South Middle River community and the City of Fort Lauderdale are united against any illegal activities.

The 7:00 p.m. parade, which is free and open to the public, begins at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church located at 1105 N.W. 6th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.

Marchers will carry flags and signs as they chant anti-drug slogans along the parade route.

The parade is one of several Haitian Flag Day events planned in South Florida.