West Indian day 2024
The West Indian Day Parade Carnival is an annual celebration held on the first Monday of September commemorating West Indian culture. It is organized by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York City. (Agencies)
Origin of the Parade
The earliest known parade was held on September 1, 1947. The West Indian day has sprouted from the pre-Lent Carnival celebrations started by a Trinidadian immigrant in Manhattan around a century ago, according to the organizers. (AP)
Participants and costumes
The 57th edition of this fest witnessed participants jiving to the festive mood in stilts, elaborate gowns and the feathered costumes.
Parade route
Thousands of participants marched and danced down the Eastern Parkway during the festival waving their flags and flaunting costumes. (Reuters)
Drums and music
The J'Ouvert attendees can be seen dancing to the beat of steel drums along with the buzzing with reggae and soca music as the parade showcases Caribbean culture celebrating freedom from slavery. (Agencies)
Tourist attraction
The parade is said to attract a crowd in millions, who follow the almost 3.2-kilometer route extending from the Crown Heights to the Brooklyn Museum. People of West Indian heritage or representatives of the Caribbean are the main attendees. (Agencies)
Violence mars festivities
The festivities were plagued as 5 people were shot in the parade. (Agencies)
NYPD on scene
In response to the incident NYPD said, 2 people were critically wounded and three others are expected to recover. The gunman ran from the scene. (AP)
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