The West Indian American Day Parade is an annual event held on Labor Day each year in Brooklyn, NY, since 1967. This 46th celebration saw over a million of West Indians and Americans lining Eastern Parkway.
The rain certainly did not stop the show. According to WIADCA- the organizers of the greatest show in New York City, the show featured “over 40 costumed bands, scores of colorful floats, millions of jubilant spectators and supporters from around the world converge on Eastern Parkway that is fully lined with hundreds of food stalls selling mouth watering cuisine from around the world to satisfy every taste”. There were limits to this year Grand Marshalls to only two Marty Markowitz (Borough president of Brooklyn) and Christopher Bowen (Trinidadian DJ – aka MC Wassy) compared to last year’s four that included: Mayor Bloomberg, Harry Belafonte, Machel Mantono, and Rep. Christine Quinn.
The rain certainly did not stop the show. According to WIADCA- the organizers of the greatest show in New York City, the show featured “over 40 costumed bands, scores of colorful floats, millions of jubilant spectators and supporters from around the world converge on Eastern Parkway that is fully lined with hundreds of food stalls selling mouth watering cuisine from around the world to satisfy every taste”. There were limits to this year Grand Marshalls to only two Marty Markowitz (Borough president of Brooklyn) and Christopher Bowen (Trinidadian DJ – aka MC Wassy) compared to last year’s four that included: Mayor Bloomberg, Harry Belafonte, Machel Mantono, and Rep. Christine Quinn.
Leading to the main event was the Caribbean Woodstock, a world music festival boasting performers from the Caribbean in different genres: reggae, soca, hip-hop, latin, kompa, and zouk held on Thursday, August 29th. On Friday, August 30th, an event focusing on young people “Stay in School Youth Fest” encouraged youths to seek a sound education and develop their talents. The children were not left out – on Saturday morning they got the opportunity to participate in the Junior Carnival Parade and Competition. Also on Saturday the Panora Steelband Competition completed the day’s activities. Dimance Gras featured the Panora and King & Queen competition on Sunday closing out the events leading up to the grand day.
Revelers and parade goers were not disappointed -the colorful costumes, electrifying music, and the aromatic Caribbean food kept all intoxicated and left with good vibes.
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