The festival kicked off on May 18, 2023. A gala was organized at the Marriott Hotel to honor artists, promoters, "living legends," and political figures promoting Haitian culture.

The following personalities were inducted into the Haitian Compas Festival Hall of Fame: Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Richard Cavé, Elizabeth Guerin, Sanders Solon, Gérald Kaliko Firmin, Evens Blaise, Fr. Reginald Jean Mary, Berlin Obas, Mayor Alix Désulmé, Vice Mayor Mary Estime-Irvin, Supa Cindy, Commissioner Marleine Bastien, Alix Saint-Surin, Frank Derrick, Naomi Esther Blemur, Victor Demesmin Jr, Junior Moschino Remy, Consul General Stéphane Gilles, Dener Céide, and Patrick Fabre.