Bois Caiman — Bwa Kayiman in Kreyol — is the August 1791 ceremony traditionally credited with igniting the Haitian Revolution, and Brooklyn's Haitian community marks it every year. Holding it on the Prospect Park lakeshore gives the commemoration water, trees and space for drumming, food and speech. If you want to understand why Brooklyn's Haitian diaspora is one of the city's defining communities, this is the day that explains it.
What to expect
Expect drumming, music and food set up along the lakeshore, with a mix of ceremonial observance and community picnic. The lakeshore is open parkland, so people spread out with chairs, blankets and coolers. It runs across the afternoon and into the evening.
Good to know
- Take the B/Q to Prospect Park or the F/G to 15th St–Prospect Park, then walk toward the lake.
- Free and open in a public park; bring a blanket or folding chair.
- It is a commemoration with ceremonial elements — follow the lead of organizers on participation.
- The lakeshore has limited shade; bring water and sun cover.
- Food is usually part of the gathering, but bringing your own is normal too.
- Paved paths reach the lakeshore, though the seating area itself is grass.
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
What does Bwa Kayiman commemorate?
The August 1791 ceremony at Bois Caiman in Haiti, traditionally credited with launching the Haitian Revolution.
Where in Prospect Park is it?
Along the Prospect Park lakeshore in Brooklyn.
Is it open to everyone?
It is a public gathering in a public park, though it carries ceremonial and commemorative weight.
More this weekend
