NORTH MIAMI, Fla. — Soup Joumou is a pumpkin-squash based soup mixed with vegetables and beef.

Joumou is important to the Haitian culture because before Haitian slaves freed themselves from the French, they were not allowed to eat the soup.

“They weren’t allowed to have this soup, so when they declared their independence, we’re going to have what you wouldn’t let us have,” said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert. “It’s a bunch of stories of how we have overcome. It’s about saying we deserve what we say we deserve. If we can work for it, we can earn for it. And that spirit is embodied in the Haitian culture.”

It was on Jan. 1, 1804, over 220 years ago, that Haitians gained their independence from the French in the Revolution War.

Since then, Haitians in South Florida and other parts of the world partake in eating Soup Joumou together.

There’s a number of events happening in South Florida Thursday with Haitians celebrating their Independence Day.

That includes the annual Soup and Champagne all-white affair at Nomi Village in North Miami that draws thousands to celebrate.

“We’re starting the year clean, especially this year,” said Soup and Champagne co-owner Haitian Pooh Bear. “It was tough on a lot of people. There’s a lot of things going on around immigration, economy, politics. 2025 was different. It kind of gives you that clean slate the fresh start. That’s where the all-white comes from.”

Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.