Haitian literature, prose and Vodou are explored during the 33rd Annual Miami Book Fair, set to run from Nov. 13 to Nov. 20. During the eight days each November, hundreds of authors and thousands of readers converge on Downtown Miami for the literary festival.
The book fair presents a series of extensive readings and panel discussions highlighting the vibrant and diverse literary culture of the Caribbean, including that of Haiti’s. This year, four events — all presented in Haitian Creole, with English translations — will discuss Haiti’s culture and how it intersects in the literary world.
Koze Mande Chèz: Conversations on Contemporary Haitian Literature,takes a look at the current state of contemporary Haitian literature, and features a panel discussion between Edwidge Danticat, Yanick Lahens, Gary Victor, and moderator Michèle Pierre-Louis.
Vodou Explorations highlights how Vodou is an integral cornerstone of West African culture and Haiti’s roots. The panel, which includes Mimerose Beaubrun, Jerry M. Gilles, Frantz “Kiki” Wainwright, and moderators Gérard Férère and Ingrid Llera, explores different facets of Vodou, and diverse perspectives on the subject.
Pwezi Kreyòl Kounye a is a panel of contemporary poets detailing their exploration of “modern” Haitian Creole poetic forms and their reflections on the past and present state of Haitian poetry. The panel includes Anivince Jean-Baptiste, Josaphat-Robert Large, Yvette Leroy-Wanègès, Schiller Marcelin, Iléus Papillon and moderator Lochard Noël.
State of the Kreyòl Union: A Discussion with Members of the Kreyòl Academy looks at Haiti’s recently established “Akademi Kreyòl Ayisyen,” which has been tasked with the development, preservation and propagation of Haitian Creole. Current members of this pre-eminent council on all matters pertaining to the language, present their ongoing work on the past, present and future of Kreyòl Ayisyen. The panel includes Gérard Férère, Michel-Ange Hyppolite, Claude Pierre, Jean-Robert Placide, Marie Jocelyne Trouillot, and moderator Max Manigat.
The Miami Book Fair’s eight-day festival features readings and conversations with the world’s most renowned authors and more than 200 booksellers and exhibitors across various genres and interests.
Book lovers are also treated to culinary presentations, live music, dance and theater performances, interactive art projects, fun and educational activities for children.