Caribbean Marketplace

The Little Haiti Caribbean Marketplace is the embodiment of South Florida: a sensory overload of sight, tastes, and sounds. Also known as the “Mache Ayisyen”, the 9,000 sq. ft. marketplace was designed by architect Charles Pawley as a modern day replica of Port Au Prince's Iron Market. It is the Little Haiti Cultural Complex’s largest venue space. If you’re looking for a destination in Miami, with strong roots, and full of energy, while still being off-the-beaten-path, stop by the Little Haiti Caribbean Marketplace. The bustling historical landmark, patterned after Port-au-Prince’s famous Marché en Fer (the Iron Market), comes alive with Afro Caribbean art, culture, food, set against the backdrop of live music, island-style. Whether you’re into arts, artisan crafts, or sampling traditional cuisine, there’s something for everyone at this hidden cultural gem.
On Saturdays, the famous Caribbean Market Day takes place. Visit the Caribbean Marketplace during open hours and special events and you will find authentic Haitian art and crafts for sale, Haitian music and free WiFi. With open seating the space is also great for lunch and work meetings. The Caribbean Marketplace is also an official visitor’s center for the Greater Miami’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
As you approached the 9,000-square-foot space, feeling the hot South Florida sun on your shoulders, you’ll begin to hear and feel the bustling energy within the Marketplace: the live music swaying in the background, the scent of traditional Haitian foods; the flash of brightly-colored accessories and splashes of yellow, sea blue and red everywhere. Like most immigrant hubs, it started as a place where people sought out the comforts of their homeland while adapting to the culture of their new country. However, Mache Ayisyen, the Caribbean Marketplace, fell into disrepair, shuttered down for years, and was in danger of being demolished. Spurred by local objection, a community and city-led effort was put in place to renovate and revamp the marketplace.
The gingerbread-style structure now up and running, stands as a symbol of the city’s cultural diversity, and a community very much a part of Miami’s rich history.

Supernatural elements
Underneath the vibrant life of the marketplace, a more sinister darkness lingers. The marketplace is a prime place to find Caribbean lore, mundane as well as occult. Mystics of Spirits are common here, which draws the eyes of the Cultists of Damballah. Revelling in the neon lights of the market, Serpents of the Light dancer and play Kindred and Kine alike that pass through the market, seeking specialist goods, or occult services. There are highs to be found here, of many kinds. But even darker depths lurk in the the darkness of people's minds. Everyone here has a master.