Caribbean Heritage celebrated at Brooklyn Borough Hall
Batala New York, an all-women percussion ensemble, had folks in Borough Hall Plaza jumping during Saturday’s Caribbean Heritage Festival. Eagle photo by Mary Frost
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso celebrated the traditions and diversity of Caribbean heritage by throwing a lively festival at Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza on Saturday. Partnering with the BP was the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), the group which sponsors Brooklyn’s famous West Indian American Day Parade down Eastern Parkway.
Party-goers tapped their toes to the beat of steelpan, samba drums and tunes by DJ Dr. Haze; and enjoyed dance performances, author readings, stilt walkers, face painting and free samples of Caribbean treats.
Alejandra, age 10, underwent a magical transformation at the face-painting booth at Saturday’s Caribbean Heritage Festival. Eagle photo by Mary Frost
“I’m the son of two Dominican immigrants who sacrificed everything to come here and give my siblings and me the best futures they could, so to now serve as Brooklyn’s first Caribbean American president is the privilege of a lifetime,” Reynoso said in a statement.
June is Caribbean American Heritage Month. “This is a month of pride and joy,” said Michelle Gibbs, chair of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association. She invited everyone to the upcoming Carnival Parade on Eastern Parkway on Labor Day.
Batala New York, an all-women percussion ensemble, had folks in Borough Hall Plaza jumping during Saturday’s Caribbean Heritage Festival. Eagle photo by Mary FrostMichelle Gibbs, chair of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association, invited everyone to the upcoming Carnival Parade on Eastern Parkway on Labor Day. Eagle photo by Mary FrostDeputy Brooklyn Borough President Reverend Kim Council welcomes guests to the Caribbean American Heritage celebration at Borough Hall on Saturday, June 24. Eagle photo by Mary FrostAlejandra, age 10, underwent a magical transformation at the face-painting booth at Saturday’s Caribbean Heritage Festival. Eagle photo by Mary FrostThe WIADCA Youth Sailors put on a spirited performance. Sailors are a traditional mas (masquerade) in Carnival parades, historically mocking foreign sailors from occupying countries. Eagle photo by Mary FrostAlejandra, age 10, and mom Melissa beam after Alejandra got her face painted at Saturday’s Caribbean Heritage Festival. Eagle photo by Mary FrostThe WIADCA Youth Sailors put on a spirited performance. Sailors are a traditional mas (masquerade) in Carnival parades, historically mocking foreign sailors from occupying countries. Eagle photo by Mary FrostBrooklyn resident Dawn Haas enjoys the music, dancing and Caribbean food. “Try it, it’s delicious!” she said. Eagle photo by Mary FrostFree snow cones in all flavors were given out by the 1CATOSNOCONE company. Eagle photo by Mary FrostDr. Lisette Caesar, aka Dr. Liz, is the author of the Little Lizzy book series for kids. Eagle photo by Mary FrostParticipants cheer on the performers at Saturday’s Caribbean Heritage Festival. Eagle photo by Mary FrostThe music at the Caribbean Heritage Festival had everyone tapping their toes and clapping to the beat. Eagle photo by Mary FrostSome of the younger WIADCA Youth Sailors await the start of the festivities at Saturday’s Caribbean American Heritage party. Eagle photo by Mary FrostFolks relax on the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall to watch performances during Saturday’s Caribbean Heritage Festival. Eagle photo by Mary FrostBatala New York, an all-women percussion ensemble, had folks in Borough Hall Plaza jumping during Saturday’s Caribbean Heritage Festival. Eagle photo by Mary Frost
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