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 (April 18, 19, and 20), presented in April 2025, immersed participants in Haitian culture through ceremonies, workshops, performances, and community gatherings. Celebrating Haitian heritage, it provided a space for Minnesota's Haitian community and Afro-Caribbean cultural groups to meet, learn, and share. Held in tribute to Papa Zaka, the Vodou spirit of agriculture and community, the festival highlighted Haitian traditions of unity and resilience. Events included a blessing ceremony, interactive workshops in Haitian dance, drumming, and singing, performances, Creole language classes, and storytelling sessions. With adequate funding, this inaugural event aims to become an annual celebration of cultural connections in Minnesota.
For more information, please visit our website: www.afoutayidmaco.com
Many thanks to our culture bearers, board members and artists:
Florencia Pierre "Fofo", Djenane Saint Juste, Hassen Taylor Ortega, Jenny Koehnen Lutter, Rose Mingo-Holtz, Jacques Godwin, Beauvois Anilus, Alanna Morris, Wilson Charles, Ricardo Lamusique, Aa-Rael Seankh-ka, Jim Reilly, Innocent Kofi Houndjor, Ismael Sokpor, Lorvens Alphonse, and DJ Haitisepam.
Photo and video credits:
Sandra McAnany, Daniela Avendano, Djenane Saint Juste, Kerby Andre, Curtis Ryce, Chris Fury, and Alanna Morris.
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.
To all the volunteers and team, we couldn't have made Afoutayi Alaso Zaka 2025 happen without your help. A big thank you to: DejaJoelle - Body Prayers, Jeanette Fordyce, Sandra McAnany, Curtis Ryce, Kristy Kennetz, Richard Janke, Kerby Andre, Dieula Danger, Makise Laguerre, Daniela Avendano, David & Holly Policard - Vanse, Athena Estimé, Daphnee Kizin and Chris Fury.
Special thanks to Christina Selander Bouzouina and the incredible team at the Alliance Française MPLS who went above and beyond to make this festival possible. Un grand merci à vous tous ! Mèsi anpil!
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