BROOKLYN WEST INDIAN-AMERICAN
LABOR DAY PARADE

This years Brooklyn West Indian Labor Day Carnival could not have been more perfect, the weather was a balmy 80 degrees with a slight westerly breeze, the spectators came from all over the world to represent their Caribbean Islands, from Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, Haiti and Trinidad & Tobago, just to mention a few.

The day started with Mayor Bloomberg and other local politicians having breakfast with WIADCA (West Indian American Day Carnival Associations), for the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony that officially launches the day’s festivities.
As the politicians proceeded to march down the Parkway (as it is affectionately known) the crowds started to grow, some people securing their place from 8am in the morning to get a good view.

Approximately 12:30pm the first band proceeded down the parkway greeted by a huge roar and a sea of frantically waving spectators. It was a sight to behold a kaleidoscope of colors from, red, yellow, purple, green and everything in between, gyrating hips, pulsating music and glistening bodies.

Carnival is the one event that unites all people, it does not discriminate if you are big or small, young or old or from any ethnic group, when the carnival fever hits your soul it is impossible not to participate, even New York’s finest were included when two dancers from the famed mass camp Sesame Flyers International Inc wined up on a officer who stood there and took it all in..

In addition to the thousands of masqueraders there was an aroma in the air that instinctively made your mouth water, Roti, Curry Goat, Jerk Pork, and Lambi and to wash it down, Sorrell, Mauby and a variety of fruit juices.

An estimated four (4) million spectators were in attendance and a safe and enjoyable carnival was had by all.

We send out congratulations to WIADCA, the New York City Police Department,
and all the mass camps, Hawks, Borokette, Blackfoot, D Midas, Sesame Flyers International Inc, Antoine Int’l, 1199, for a great time. Special congratulations to Sesame Flyers International Inc, for winning “Band of the Year” 2004.

If you missed it this year, make sure your there next year.

Story by:
Anthony Austin (CANN).
Photos by:
Anthony Austin (CANN).