In a tense atmosphere marked by a general blackout—except for the city center, which had some power supply—and in a city with many visible wounds, Cap-Haïtien was the scene on Sunday, May 18, 2025, of the official ceremonies commemorating the 222nd anniversary of the creation of the Haitian flag. While the solemnity of the event was reflected in the traditional mass and ceremonial speeches, the reality on the ground—marked by anger, neglect, and misery—quickly overshadowed the festivities.

The day began with a solemn mass, the traditional Te Deum, celebrated at the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Cap-Haïtien, in the presence of an impressive official delegation. Members of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), including Fritz Alphonse Jean, Emmanuel Vertilaire, Frinel Joseph, and Régine Abraham, were present alongside Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and several members of his cabinet. Local authorities, including the mayor of Cap-Haïtien, the departmental delegate, vice-delegates, as well as school principals accompanied by their students, also attended the event.