Philadelphia will enjoy the pageantry, grandeur and excitement of their first Kanaval Ball at The Fillmore on March 20, 2022. The Haitian Carnival and New Orleans Mardi Gras-style event will explore music and culture with a recreation of the celebrations that occur before Mardi Gras.

The event will cap Philadelphia public radio station WXPN’s year-long exploration Kanaval: Haitian Rhythms and the Music of New Orleans will feature music by New Orleans-based and beloved Preservation Hall Jazz Band and prominent Haitian bands RAM and Boukman Eksperyans. The event will also feature the dynamic and vibrant movements of Haitian folkloric dance company Nadia Dieudonné & Feet of Rhythm. 

“We can’t wait to bring the joy and celebratory spirit of Haitian Carnival and Mardi Gras to Philadelphia, with performances from amazing musicians from both Haiti and New Orleans,” said WXPN General Manager Roger LaMay in a press release. “Attendees will experience the mission of our Kanaval project: to illuminate Haiti’s continuing impact on New Orleans music and culture.”

The Kanaval Ball will also feature authentic Haitian cuisine from some of Philadelphia’s most highly regarded chefs, including Sylvan Senat, Executive Chef of The Pyramid Club. Costumes for the ball are encouraged but not required.

Doors for the Kanaval Ball will open its doors at 4:00 p.m. EST on March 20 and is a free event with advance registration which can be found here.