A massive multi-borough rhetort of all-things Caribbean upended traffic, stalled back to school shopping, infused commercial television promotions and boosted food sales last week in promotion of a cultural spectacle in display of the 57th annual West Indian American Day Carnival Association’s event.
The overwhelming response from immigrant nationals and their offspring culminated after a year-long anticipation of the Caribbean celebrations, which peaked early in the week with radio, TV, and online notifications.
By mid-week, during the final days of August the travel industry boomed with visiting relatives willing to sacrifice domestic quarters in order to revel the reunion of Labor Day,
Parents, teachers and students paused prepping and shopping for back to school outfits in order to experience the expanded version of the Eastern Parkway revelry.
Evolution seemed an appropriate theme, so the organizers adapted it. News segments on television featured taste testers on WPIX-TV highlighting rums and mixers from the region.
The channel 11 medium focussed on liquors from Haiti, and Guyana detailing the favored accompaniments to best enjoy the beverages.
Dumplings, codfish cakes and other appetizing fried finger foods shone a bright spotlight on Dumpling Cove, a popular Bronx eatery.
Over at Fox-5, Jamaican reggae royalties Cedella Marley and Marcia Griffith’s showed up to demonstrate the latter’s biggest hit — “Electric Slide.”
Their primary role was to promote the second annual Caribbean Music Awards where they were billed at Brooklyn’s Kings Theater and where they received illustrious honors.
Trinidad & Tobago’s calypso king, the Mighty Sparrow, Barbados soca monarch Allison Hinds and Haiti supergroup Tabou Combo were among the luminaries worthy of illustrious acknowledgements and recognitions endorsed by funnyman and co-host Majah Hype who merited s solitary spotlight one day earlier on the same news outlet,
Jamaica’s dancehall sensation, Spice aided in the emcee role on a Thursday night gala showcase but was absent from the early morning broadcast booking.
In an effort to capture and relay the diasporan vibes, a TVJ crew from Jamaica arrived here to provide coverage for a local program known as Entertainment Report.
Allegedly invited as media to capture performances by newcomers Nigy Boy and Christopher Martin, the crew were eyewitnesses to appearances from 13 names, which diversified the Friday Socafest presentation at the Brooklyn Museum.
“I didn’t get home until 6 o’clock,” an unidentified patron said.
Returning to the headquarters of Caribbean revelry for the junior carnival on Saturday, the T&T native explained that although her children were adults, and no longer require her accompanying she was compelled to travel north because “is we culcha.”
She now resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and noted that the formerly free kiddy carnival had evolved from the vision Carlos Lezama imagined when he introduced the spectacle to the borough to become what seemed an inflationary-priced entry attraction.
Despite the unsuspected charge she said she felt privileged to revel with family and friends.
As she listened to Public Advocate Jumaane Williams boast his opinion of the “prettiest” flag amongst the sea of banners, she winced as he named the colorful nutmeg-adorned representative of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique.
His duties were to hand out citations to numerous young achievers.
Food vendors seemed the biggest winners when long lines formed at the Shark Shack, Lena’s Cuisines, R&O Home Eatery and other spice serving spots.
Spilling out onto the sidewalks of the boulevard, vendors offering appetizing delights provided competition attendees exalted.
“The oxtails done but I am putting on a fresh batch now,” a profitable Jamaican vendor said. He had sold out his provisions by noon but was prepared to provide another delicious pot full.
Those who sold vegetarian cuisines fared well too selling veggie patties, vegetable shish kebab and beverages.
African fashions were in vogue with fabrics and predesigned outfits attracting big spenders.
NYPD was in full force to keep order and for many new recruits test their mettle with the largest Caribbean assembly for the holiday weekend.
Sizzla Kalonji, Spragga Benz, YG Marley and the Firehouse Band seemed an unlikely Sunday closer for the WIADCA producers. However, a 3 p.m. concert proved more than evolutionary for the Dimanche Gras traditionalists.
Queens had its share of holiday revelry at the Roy Wilkins Park. For two days reggae fans indulged in marathon music performances and a plethora of festival offerings.
Manhattan had the inside privilege when Machel Montano snared five consecutive nights at the Apollo Theater. The soca star commanded unprecedented audience for the genre.
His engagement ended Monday with colleagues filling the bill for a Labor Day treat.
Throughout the week, diasporans lingered in pan yards and open spaces for an opportunity to reminisce the summer and nostalgia of home in perpetual sunny islands.
With Brooklyn claiming the lionshare of visitors to NYC for the Caribbean pageantry, J’ourvert had its allure for political satire and unabashed wit and humor.
Oil, powder, grease and plenty of island vibes helped hasten the dawn of the most anticipated day for Caribbean diasporans.
It’s the day music, food, masqueraders and generations meet to hail a season — without the usual pre-primary politics — for a good time enhanced by comfortable weather, plenty of eye candy, diversification, food, frolic, spectacle, which amplified a theme of One Community, One Aim and One Love.
Catch You On The Inside!
