The Westside Motor Lounge was teeming with fans Wednesday for a Haitian festival and watch party ahead of Haiti's World Cup match against Morocco.
Fabiola Maurice, a recent college graduate whose parents emigrated from Haiti, showed her pride for Les Grenadiers with her jersey and flag. The atmosphere was festive as fans celebrated Haiti's historic tournament appearance.
While Morocco ultimately won 4-2, the defeat didn't dampen spirits. Haiti's presence in the World Cup represents a watershed moment for the Caribbean nation's soccer program.
The West End watch party was one of several cultural gatherings across Atlanta celebrating the diverse nations competing in the tournament. The Atlanta Cultural Exchange at the former CNN Center has transformed into a hub for live cultural programming throughout the event.
Atlanta's large Haitian-American community has turned out in force for Les Grenadiers matches, bringing the energy of Port-au-Prince to the city's streets.