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Haitian Sensation Association: Ready for Kanaval

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DC Carnival 2000

Haitian Independence Day Concert

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DC “Haitian” Carnival 2004
Hot
Sensational
Awsome

This year, the DC Caribbean Carnival became the DC “Haitian” Carnival. With 2004 in full swing, many in the community were waiting for a good reason to celebrate and show their Haitian pride, and H.S.A., the Haitian Sensation Association, along with Top Vice, provided that opportunity. H.S.A. systematically organized and delivered the best carnival ever experienced in the Washington, DC area.

For the past few years, lead by WACAHAPA, Washington Carnival Haitian Participation, the Haitian community has been gaining ground on the Trinidadians, who normally rule the DC Caribbean Carnival. Two years ago, WACAHAPA organized a great showing at the carnival, which climaxed in the middle of the parade route, when the Haitian truck stopped in front of DJ Woolado’s music booth on Georgia Avenue.

This year, a newly formed organization, H.S.A., headed by George Bazile, president, and Farah Moise, vice-president, took WACAHAPA’s lead one step further. The group of “young professionals” organized parties, washed cars, pleaded with sponsors for funds in order to invite Top Vice, Miami’s party band, to come celebrate Haiti at the 2004 carnival.

“We want to make it big,” said Melinda Henry of H.S.A. before the carnival, “we want to make it like New York’s carnival.” H.S.A. succeeded in bringing out hundreds of Haitians with Haiti t-shirts and Haitian flags. Through word of mouth, radio and television, internet campaign, they spread the word and created a buzz. They organized parties every weekend in order to raise money. People came from all parts of the metropolitan area to celebrate at the carnival.

Top Vice was the band chosen for the occasion, and they did a great job keeping the crowd jumping down the avenue. Along the parade route, the band picked up the Dominicans, the St. Lucians, and even some Trinidadians. The Dominican Republic flag waved along side the Haitian flag for more than half of the day. The island was once again united.

The carnival finally came to an end when the police “asked” the band to stop playing in order to clear the streets. As the truck returned from the day, many people along street cheered and waved. One lady, from her porch, yelled out, “y’all did a good job.”

© echodhaiti.com, july 2004