Eat soup joumou on Haitian Independence Day at this free celebration in Miramar
Jan. 1 is more than just New Year’s Day. It’s time to celebrate Haitian Independence Day.
Florida Rep. Marie Woodson is hosting her fifth annual Haitian Independence Day Celebration for free at the Alexandra P. Davis Multi-Service Complex in Miramar on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 from 2 to 6 p.m.
The Democratic state representative also held the event there last year, sponsored by the City of Miramar. She represents District 105 which covers part of West Miramar.
There are many Haitian Independence celebrations happening in the month of January from Little Haiti to Lauderhill, and lots of them feature soup joumou. Soup joumou, a pumpkin soup made with meat, pasta, plantains and spices, is the traditional dish eaten on independence day.
The dish holds significance because, historically, it was only allowed to be eaten by enslavers. After Haitians became independent from France on Jan. 1, 1804, they claimed the dish for themselves.
“Upon reaching its liberation from the French on Jan. 1, 1804, Haiti became the first independent republic made from the self-determination of Black individuals and the very first country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery,” according to the event page.
Haiti celebrates 222 years of independence in 2026.
Besides soup joumou, the event will feature music and fellowship honoring Haiti’s culture. Registration on Eventbrite is required to join the fun.
