For many cultures across South Florida, the days after Halloween mark a special time to honor those that have passed on.
Hispanic cultures, particularly people of Mexican decent, celebrate Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead on November 1st and 2nd. Haitians have their own version called Fèt Gede, or “Festival of the Dead,” that incorporates Vodou traditions. Many Catholics attend a special mass on “All Souls Day,” which offers prayers for the departed along with a trip to the cemetery after church.
The practices may be different, but the goal is basically the same: to honor the deceased and keep the memory of those who have died, alive.
In Little Haiti, crowds of people showed up to the Little Haiti Cultural Complex on Friday evening for “Haiti in the Heartland,” a cultural event celebrating Haitian art, which concluded with a traditional Haitian folklore dance performance in honor of Fèt Gede, the “Festival of the Dead.”
Dancers dressed in purple, white and black told the story of life and death through their quick hip thrusts and sensual movements. Nancy St. Leger, the choreographer and founder of the “ NSL Danse Ensemble ,” said her goal is too keep Haitian traditions alive through dance.