Afoutayi’s Alaso Zaka festival works to demystify Haitian culture, particularly Vodou, which is often misunderstood and stigmatized. Through accurate representations of Haitian spirituality and customs, the festival educates attendees, dispelling myths and fostering respect. This broader understanding among non-Haitians supports cultural preservation by validating and appreciating the heritage of a community that might otherwise feel compelled to conform to dominant narratives. This cultural bridge-building is critical to empowering marginalized communities to maintain and celebrate their identities in environments where these expressions might otherwise be ignored or minimized.
The three-day Alaso Zaka Afoutayi Haitian Dance, Music, and Arts Festival, set for April 2025, will immerse attendees in Haitian culture through ceremonies, workshops, performances, and community gatherings. Celebrating Haiti’s heritage, it offers Minnesota’s Haitian community and Afro-Caribbean cultural groups a space to connect, learn, and share. Timed to honor Papa Zaka, the Vodou spirit of agriculture and community, the festival highlights Haitian traditions of unity and resilience. Events include a blessing ceremony, interactive workshops, live performances, language classes, and storytelling sessions. With adequate funding, this inaugural event aims to become an annual celebration of cultural connections in Minnesota.
The festival is free, but any donations to help us continue Afoutayi’s cultural and educational events in the Twin Cities are welcome. The festival will take place at the Joly Family Center for International Understanding, 227 Colfax Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55405, USA. The festival is open to all audiences, regardless of age, race, language, religious belief or origin. This work is funded in part by MHC with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
For more information, please visit our website at https://www.afoutayidmaco.com/shows or email us at afoutayidmaco@gmail.com.
PROGRAM:
Day 1 – Friday, April 18, 2025
Blessing Ceremony & Conference – 6Pm to 9Pm
6:00 PM – Opening Activity
6:30 PM – Blessing Ceremony
7:30 PM – Haitian Vodou Conference
9:00 PM – Closing Activity
*Participants are invited to wear white for the ceremony and to bring an offering to the altar if they wish.
Day 2 – Saturday, April 19, 2025
Haitian Dance, Drumming, Singing Workshops & Afoutayi Performance – 4PM to 9PM
4:00 PM – Opening Activity
4:30 PM – Workshops: Haitian Songs with Fofo / Haitian Drums with Zangi, Wilson, Ricardo
5:30 PM – Workshops: Haitian Dance with Djenane with live drumming
6:30 PM – Haitian Creole class – Art & Craft activity
7:30 PM – Afoutayi Rasanble Performance “ALASO ZAKA”
9:00 PM – Closing Activity
*If you are attending the workshops and performance, please bring extra clothes and towels as you may sweat.
Day 3 – Sunday, April 20, 2025
Rasanble & Plezi Gaye – 1PM to 4PM
1:00 PM – Opening Activity
1:30 PM – Afoutayi Rasanble Performance “TCHAKA”
2:00 PM – Workshops: Haitian Songs with Papi – Haitian Drums with Zangi, Wilson, Ricardo
3:00 PM – Multilingual Storytelling – Plezi Gaye with DJ Ayitisepam
4:00 PM – Closing Activity
*There will be multilingual books by Djenane Saint Juste and Karabela (Traditional Haitian Clothing) by Florencia Pierre for sale as well as other Afoutayi merchandise!