Welcome to the 2004 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, featuring programs on Haiti, Latino music, and Mid-Atlantic maritime culture. The Festival continues its long tradition of presenting the diverse cultural heritage of the people of the United States and the world to large public audiences in an educational, respectful, and profoundly democratic way.

This year, the Haitian people mark the bicentennial of their independence. In 1804, inspired by American and French ideals, Haitians fought for their own freedom, abolished slavery, and created the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere (the United States was the first). Haitians have sought freedom and liberty ever since, and through tough times have relied on their rich culture and seemingly boundless creativity to persevere. The Festival program, in the planning for several years, comes at what is obviously an important time for Haitians and Americans--particularly Haitian Americans. It provides an excellent opportunity for Haitians to tell their own stories through their skill and artistry, and for others to learn from them.