Haitian Flag Day celebrated
Photos courtesy of Getro Bernabe
Charleroi held its second annual celebration of Haitian Flag Day last weekend. Every year Haitians around the world celebrate their freedom from France on May 18.
Charleroi has seen an increase in population due to immigration from more than 40 countries, including Haiti. Getro Bernabe, who acts as the immigrant liaison for the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the local Haitian population tended to travel to celebrate Flag Day. “We need to do something to keep them here. That’s why we did that last year,” Bernabe said. Saturday’s event started with a car parade in a borough followed by traditional Haitian music, dancing and food at Presbyterian Church of Charleroi on Fifth Street. “It is a way to share our culture with the community of Charleroi,” Bernabe said.