Free Lakay Fest in Little Haiti

The Haitian Creole term “Lakay” means “home” or “at home” and that's what is being celebrating on the last Saturday in May in the heart of Little Haiti.

Local organization Cinemóvil is hosting the day-long festival Lakay Fest at several locations along Little Haiti's main street NE 59 St. and 2 Ave. on Saturday, May 30 from 1-8 p.m. The event will celebrate local culture, creativity and community connection through a panel discussion, a Konpa dance class, short and feature films, a guided neighborhood walk and live music and dance party.

Here is the schedule:

1 p.m.
Lakay Se Lakay: Neighborhood Resilience in a Changing City panel discussion at Libreri Mapou
Discussion about about how to prepare for the neighborhood's inevitable economic and real estate changes with community housing organizers. Moderated by Leonie Hermatin, Director of Special Projects at Sant La, with Santra Denis, Executive Director of Miami Workers Center, and Rayna Milfort, Director of Housing Advocacy and Community Engagement at Miami Homes for All. Seating is limited.

2 p.m. – Short Films on Home at Libreri Mapou
Presented by Third Horizon, featuring stories of home and loss around Miami by filmmakers Camila Alvarez and Natalie Edgar, Lisa Danker Kritzer, and Diana Larrera. Seating is limited.

3 p.m. – Mapping Miami Photo Walk at Libreri Mapou
Presented by Buen Provecho Collective, the walk will be hosted by Haitian photographer Christopher Mitchell, leading participants around Little Haiti for a photo tour of the neighborhood that will be included in the archive of Mapping Miami.

5 p.m. – Konpa Intro Dance Class at Lakou
Dance lesson by Konpa on the Rise on the traditional Haitian dance. Bring a partner or meet someone new.

6 p.m. – Day Party at Lakou
Presented by Masisi with global sounds by Mr. Before I Die

8 p.m. – Outdoor film screening of “Mountains” (2023) at Lakou
The film is an ode to Little Haiti and addresses the issue of gentrification and a neighborhood resident grappling with the issue. Bring a beach chair or grab one of the ones provided (seats are first come, first serve.) The film is preceded by a screening of the short film “You Can Always Come Home” by Juan Luis Matos.

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