A historic Haitian celebration on the streets of Manhattan.

“Haiti is a small country, but it is mighty. It has a rich history, a rich culture, delicious food, beautiful people,” said Daphnee Sanon, a Haitian New Yorker.

Floats, dancers, revelers and blue and red flags lined Central Park West on Saturday to mark the inaugural Haitian Heritage Parade.

Organizers and attendees say they are thrilled to bring the vibrancy and vitality of Haiti to the Upper West Side.

“To see the people come together in this city can remind people that we’re just like everyone else,” said Nasthalia Casimir Garcia, a Haitian New Yorker. “Every country has its problems, but it’s a beautiful culture that deserves to be celebrated.”

Mayor Eric Adams kicked off the parade on West 76th Street, delivering a special proclamation to mark the occasion.

“We want to open these important streets here in Manhattan so you could have your time to march, your culture,” said Adams. “Haitians and Caribbean Americans have long strengthened the five boroughs and they will continue to play a key role as we work to build a safer, fairer, more prosperous future for all.”

New York City is home to one of the largest Haitian populations in the world, with more than 150,000 across the five boroughs.

“We have the second largest populations of Haitians right here in New York City outside Miami and Haiti so this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our culture and what we bring to New York City,” said Brooklyn Council member Farah Louis, who served as grand marshall for the parade.

Haiti is the first independent Black nation and is also home to more than 11 million people.

Haitian Americans say they hope celebrations like this will allow more New Yorkers to see a different side of the Caribbean nation.

“To be able to celebrate Haiti in America and to let the world know that we are still strong no matter what earthquake hits us, we’re still strong, we’re beautiful at heart,” said Sanon.