Pass the Babakoo

The best rum in the world is called Barbancourt, and it comes from Haiti. This top-shelf liquor is so smooth you can pour it in your cereal for breakfast. And did you know the Haitian city of Les Cayes is the world’s number one exporter of vetiver? That plant’s essential oil is the most important ingredient in the creation of perfume. Then there’s compa music, creole cooking, and beaded flag work, all hugely influential cultural contributions from West Hispaniola that you can find here in abundance. Basically, Haiti is more than just an earthquake. And Little Haiti is more than a working-class neighborhood. Miami’s La Petite Haïti is full of life, art, food, music, and history. Find out for yourself this Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. during Big Night in Little Haiti at the Little Haiti Cultural Center. The legendary Magnum Band, which has rocked crowds worldwide since 1976, will headline a free open-air concert, and dance roots band Ayabonmbe will open the show. There is a major exhibition of Haitian vodou-flag-inspired textile work from the island’s leading contemporary artists as well as creole food, drink, and craft vendors. This is the third edition of the monthly event, and the response has been tremendous. Young and old locals and visitors from all walks of life enjoy the family-friendly, exuberant atmosphere.
Fri., June 17, 6 p.m., 2011