On Saturday, August 23, the City of Coral Springs hosted its Annual International Dinner Dance—an event with over three decades of tradition. This year, the celebration took on extra significance as Haiti was spotlighted as the featured country for the first time in the event’s history.
The sold-out evening offered a vibrant showcase of Haitian culture, featuring authentic cuisine, art displays, music, and traditional dance performances. The celebration was guided by Haitian-American Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, the first woman of Haitian descent elected to Coral Springs’ City Commission, who served as the event’s committee liaison.
“This year’s International Dinner Dance was more than a celebration, it was a recognition of the vibrant Haitian culture that has helped shape our community. As a Haitian-American and Coral Springs resident, I was honored to see my heritage highlighted in such a meaningful way,” Vice Mayor Metayer Bowen remarked.
A growing and vibrant Haitian community
Coral Springs is home to a thriving Haitian population—approximately 5.63% of local residents identify with Haitian ancestry, according to 2021 estimates. Moreover, among foreign-born residents, 10.2% hail from Haiti. In total, the community includes over 8,000 Haitian residents, a notable presence when compared to other U.S. cities.
On a broader scale, South Florida is home to more than 70% of Florida’s Haitian population, particularly concentrated in the tri-county area of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Within this region, neighborhoods like Little Haiti in Miami serve as cultural hubs, celebrating Haitian heritage through art, cuisine, and community activities.
Building unity through heritage
The International Dinner Dance, now in its 30-plus years of existence, has long been a platform for multicultural recognition, fostering cross-cultural understanding among Coral Springs’ diverse residents. This year, by centering Haitian culture, the city not only honored a significant community within — but also underscored its evolving multicultural identity.
In addition to her remarks, Vice Mayor Metayer Bowen’s leadership at the event further emphasizes the community’s growing role in city life. Her presence and engagement reflect both a recognition of culture and an invitation to participate in shaping Coral Springs’ future.
