The thundershowers held up magnificently last Thursday evening for the spectacular, official kick-off at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum of the annual West Indian-American Day Carnival Week in Brooklyn.
Hundreds – including Mayor Eric Adams and other elected officials, carnival lovers and masqueraders – witnessed the ceremony, hosted by carnival organizer, the West Indian-American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA).
The spectacle featured costumed and steel bands, dancers and artistes, among others, during the three-hour-long ceremony.
Artiste Eddy Charles, “all the way from Trinidad and Tobago”, and the Ghanian band, Wazumbians, made their debut.
Among other hits, Wazumbians belched out “My Own” [love song] and “Happy Yo Self”.
Monet Movement Productions: The Collective mesmerized the effervescent crowd with myriad dance moves; and masqueraders dazzled with colorful and well-designed costumes, unmistakably putting spectators in Labor Day Carnival mood.
On full display, and swaying and wining to soca vibes from a DJ, masqueraders included: Inspired by Zoe (“Enchanted Garden”); Kaison Moko Jumbies; Branches; New Horizon; Antoine International; Sesame Flyers; and Skymxx.
There were also “Jab Jab” and other revelers from J’Ouvert City International, as well as Metro Steel and Harmony Steel orchestras. Yvette Rennie, the Trinidadian-born president of J’Ouvert City International, attended the extravagant show and briefly addressed patrons.
Mayor Adams showed up almost at kick-off’s end, urging “this parade [on Labor Day] to be tremendously successful” and disclosing that his office is “this close to have the parade televised on two television stations.” He didn’t identify them.
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, through her district director, Anita Taylor, thanked WIADCA for its “ceaseless support and commitment to always step-up for our community.”
Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, noted: “Over the last half-century, the WIADCA has helped lead the way in ensuring the art and culture of the Caribbean are included in the curriculum taught in our schools.
“As we all know, this nation’s true strength lies within the wealth of diversity and cultures weaved into this great American mosaic,” she said in a prepared statement delivered by Taylor. “That’s why I was so proud to have worked to deliver $1 million in transformative community project funding for WIADCA.
“Your organization understands the best way to support our community and make sure our heritage continues to thrive,” she added.
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, said he was “just excited” for the carnival festivities amid the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Hip Hop.
“Let’s celebrate,” he urged. “Raise yo’ flag; peace and blessings.”
Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, the son of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn, and a representative for Councilwoman Farah Louis, the daughter of Haitian and Bahamian immigrants, who represents the 45th Council District, also in Brooklyn, were among other elected officials who attended or sent representatives.
Earlier, on Monday, WIADCA launched “World Stage” for this year’s Caribbean Carnival in Brooklyn.
“It’s New York Carnival time again,” said WIADCA in a statement, stating that from Thursday, Aug. 31 – Monday, Sept. 4, the Carnival group will celebrate 56 years of Caribbean culture on the “World Stage”, kicking off at the Brooklyn Museum Grounds (200 Eastern Parkway) and culminating on Eastern Parkway, with the extravagant Carnival Parade.
Event Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 31 @ 4pm VIBES w/VOICEY – Long Live Soca Tour w/BlackStar Entertainment; Friday, Sept. 1st @ 7pm SOCAFEST w/Gemini Productions; Saturday, Sept. 2: Junior Carnival Parade @ 9am – visit carnival.nyc for Junior Bandhouse locations and info – and PANORAMA 2023 @ 7pm -visit carnival.nyc for Steelband locations, info, tickets (also on Eventbrite.
On Sunday, Sept. 3 @ 3pm, WIADCA will host SUNRISE Day Soiree w/Jay Upscale + Sunnation.
The massive Carnival Parade takes place on Monday, Sept. 4 on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway.
WIADCA said it will be celebrating “all Caribbean cultures, features Caribbean music, Carnival costumes, delicious food and more led by our esteemed elected officials, cultural partners, sponsors, and our beautiful Caribbean community members.”
Visit www.carnival.nyc for schedule, Adult Bandhouse locations and information.
WIADCA said the events will also be “powered” by several local Carnival presenters and Black Star Entertainment, Gemini Productions, Jay Upscale and SunNation, and supported in part by the City and State of New York, a host of elected officials, corporate and media partners.
