It seems like everyone came out to the 56th annual West Indian American Day Parade on September 4 along Eastern Parkway. For years, it’s been one of Brooklyn’s biggest celebrations, if not the biggest, capturing the hearts of millions this past Monday.
Yesterday’s festivities started at 6 am with J’Ouvert, which is marked by jab jab, moko jumbies, people painted, covered in oil reveling through the streets, later joined by thousands of spectators who lined the sidewalks to take in the sights and sounds of calypso bands and steelpan, many in elaborate costumes marching down Eastern Parkway.
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The parade took place from Eastern Parkway to Grand Army Plaza, and is marked by colorful costumes, island flags, Caribbean music and the smell of island food filled the air.
What many don’t know is that this parade nets the city millions. New York State Assembly Member Brian Cunningham said, “The West Indian Day Parade actually nets $300 million in revenue for the city. It’s actually considered the largest economic parade in North America.”
The weather was perfect as as per usual, the parade attracted about 2 million people, along with elected officials, foreigners, families and friends.
One reveler visiting from Los Angeles said she travels from Carnival to Carnival and she loves it.
Some older citizens said it’s been twenty five years of coming to the parade and celebrating their Caribbean heritage. This year they say it’s “more floats, more people, they are enjoying it.”
Many parents bring their kids along in an effrot to get them to know their culture.
Carib News caught glimpses of several elected officials – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Reverend Al Sharpton, aState Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, and of course Mayor Eric Adams who told CBS News, “I enjoy the diversity and how well the culture is celebrated.”
New York’s finest were out in full force, and some even took time to get in on the festivities, swaying to the music, singing along.
One person summed up the day for many, describing the parade as, “Just Caribbean people all together enjoying themselves.”
Police said the parade was peaceful, as was J’Ouvert earlier in the day. Ahead of Monday, police promised to keep security tight. The New york Post today is reporting that at least two people were shot along the parade route while J’Ouvert remained violence free.
