The West Indian Day Parade or Labor Day parade is an annual Caribbean Carnival celebration that brings together more than a million celebrants over Labor Day weekend. Carnival is in February, but it is too cold to celebrate in New York City then.
West Indian Day Parade 2018
West Indian Day Parade
The celebration includes several concerts, a Junior Carnival Parade, the J’Ouvert dawn festival and the West Indian Day Parade.
The culture is more Trinidad West Indian (with a British influence) than Hispanic, but the Spanish were the first colonizers of the region and Carnival is originally an Italian celebration.
The food is great. The jerk chicken and curry goat are fantastic. Some of the floats are very loud. Earplugs are recommended.
Junior Carnival Parade 2017
The Junior Carnival Parade is at the Brooklyn Museum on Saturday, September 2, 2017 from 9-5pm.
J’Ouvert 2017
J’Ouvert is a daybreak festival. Party-goers throw paint and baby powder at each other while DJs keep the crowd excited.
J’Ouvert traditionally starts at midnight, but this year it is Monday, September 4, 2017 at 6am.
50th West Indian Day Parade 2017
The 50th annual West Indian Day Parade is Monday, September 4, 2017 starting at 11 am.
The parade marches on Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, Brooklyn from Schenectady Ave to Grand Army Plaza. It then turns up Flatbush Avenue and sort of fades out.
The reviewing stands are next to the Brooklyn Museum, but by the time the marchers reach it, they are a little tired. Photographers may want to set up nearer the start of the parade.
Going to the West Indian Day Parade
You can buy reviewing stand tickets at www.wiadcacarnival.org, but it’s probably more fun to wander around, eat, drink, and people watch.
There has been violence in the middle of the night during the last two J’Ouvert celebrations. This year, the NYPD is preparing a major security operation to keep everyone safe.
Don’t go wandering around places you don’t know in the middle of the night and you will be fine. Go in the daylight for a celebration that is filled with carnival joy for everyone. Please respect the NYPD. The NYPD works for us.
To get to the Brooklyn Museum near Grand Army Plaza, take the (2) (3) or (4) to Eastern Parkway – Brooklyn Museum
Other subway stops on the parade route are: (2) (3) or (4) (5) to Franklin Ave, Nostrand Ave, Kingston Ave, or Utica Ave.
Security
Security will be tight. No large bags or backpacks, alcohol, or weapons are permitted.
Let’s be safe and have fun!
For more information, visit wiadcacarnival.org