Things to do
Everything you need to know about J’ouvert, Brooklyn’s sunrise parade
In the wee hours of Labor Day, the annual J’ouvert parade will return to Brooklyn, bringing with it a celebration unlike any other in New York City. The early...
The West Indian Day Parade and carnival, the culmination of New York Caribbean Carnival Week, is consistently one of the best things to do over the summer. The event draws close to two million people, so, yeah, you could consider this the most exciting Labor Day Parade NYC has to offer. Spend Saturday and Sunday milking what's left of summer at one of New York's beaches, then use Monday to fully immerse yourself in rich Caribbean culture and heritage. It’s bound to be one of the best summer parties in New York this year.
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When is the West Indian Day Parade?
The West Indian Day Parade is Monday, September 2, 2024 (Labor Day) starting at 10am.
Where is the parade?
During the seven-hour New York carnival, steel-pan and calypso bands in elaborate costumes march down Eastern Parkway, and vendors sell homestyle island grub along the route in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The 2024 route marches on Eastern Parkway from Utica Avenue to Grand Army Plaza.
What can you do before the event?
The pre-parade parties begin at 6am with J’ouvert (daybreak in French), an irreverent festival held before the parade.
What happens during the West Indian Day Parade?
The procession always features skin, feathers and sequins, with flags and music that celebrate the heritage of Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Barbados, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and Grenada, Guyana, Suriname and Belize, among others. Revelers often dress up as political figures or celebrities and throw powdered paint at each other, while steel drums and whistles provide the celebratory soundtrack. Look out for food vendors offering traditional dishes.
What other festivities are a part of the celebration?
While the main event is on Monday, fun activities lead up to the big party all weekend long. There's Socafest on Friday, August 30 at the Brooklyn Musuem and a kids' carnival on Saturday, August 31. Also on Saturday: The NY Panorama, a competition of the best pan players and steel pan bands from all over the United States. On Sunday, September 1, check out Sizzla Kalonji & The Firehouse Band. Here's all the event info.
Who started the West Indian Day Parade?
The West Indian American Day Carnival Association was founded in 1967 in New York City.
What does the West Indian Day Parade celebrate?
This historic community event is "dedicated to promoting, developing and celebrating Caribbean culture, arts, food, history, traditions and people." The West Indian American Day Carnival Association hosts programming and events al year, culminating in the week-long carnival parade.
