New York Caribbean Carnival Week culminates with 49th annual parade
Tens of thousands of Brooklynites and attendees from all over came out for some festive fun in the September sun as the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) presented its 49th annual New York Caribbean Carnival Parade, also known as the West Indian Day Parade, as part of the New York Caribbean Carnival Week (NYCCW) on Monday, September 5.
“It means a lot,” said Rhea Smith, WIADCA marketing and media committee member, of the parade. “Just as the Irish, Italian and Hispanics have their parade, the Caribbeans have theirs. There are lots of us not able to return to our homeland, so it’s great that we can show cultural pride.”
Beginning on Eastern Parkway at Utica Avenue at 11 a.m. this year, with marchers heading toward Grand Army Plaza, the all-day event saw beautifully ornate costumes, exciting performances and a slew of local and international elected officials.