The Caribbean Alternative to Labor Day in New York City
Known as the largest parade in New York, the West Indian-American Day parade is held in Brooklyn every Labor Day. While New York City is infamously known for it’s grand parades that march down the luxurious streets of Manhattan, this Caribbean festival is right along Eastern Parkway.
The Carnival History
The word Carnival actually has Italian roots meaning, “farewell to the flesh;” a celebration held two weeks before the beginning of Lent. A time when Catholics give up meat and many other pleasantries for 40 days.
New York City’s Carnival began in Harlem during the 1920’s. Unlike the large outdoor festival today, it was held indoors as a costume party in February. These conditions did not encompass the true meaning of Carnival. In the 1960’s the Carnival moved to Brooklyn where it has been ever since, allowing it to be as it was on the Islands. Loud and jovial music, happy people dancing, costumes capturing the life and culture in the Caribbean and the sweet scent of West Indian food.
The Carnival Festivities
Two O’clock in the morning on September 4, 2006 will mark the beginning of the festivities known as J’Ouvert. A combination of two French words jour ouvert – meaning “daybreak.” Costumes are worn throughout the celebration; except J’Ouvert costumes are usually much simpler than those worn during the Carnival. The daybreak costumes usually mimic celebrities and political figures or issues.
The real fun kicks off at 11 a.m., when the parade begins. A day that began at 2 a.m. is now only more delightful with the surrounding sounds of island music. There are three main types of music at the Carnival: Calypso, Soca, and the Steel Band.
Calypso music is Afro-Caribbean music, heavily based in Trinidad and Tobago. During the early 19th Century, Calypso music created a sense of community among the island people during their times of slavery. Soca is dance music; Calypso and Indian music combined.
Notably one the most important parts of the Carnival are the Steel Pan or Steel Drum bands. A very integral part of West Indian music, the Steel Drums came about when the British banned drums in Trinidad. In an effort to regain what was lost, the Trinidadians began using all kinds of objects as drums. Steel Pan is now one of the most famous musical art forms from the Caribbean.
While music surrounds parade spectators, the beautiful aroma in the air cannot be denied. All along Eastern Parkway, sidewalk vendors serve traditional Caribbean food along the Parkway. Some of the typical dishes include: jerk chicken, beef patties, roti, raw sugar cane, curry goat, rum punch and sorrel tea.
Surrounded by amazing scents and sounds, your body may be entering a sensory overload. Though nothing will match what’s before your eyes. As the Carnival travels down the street, the costumes will dazzle your eyes. Most of the costumes are extravagant, with headpieces, feather and beading. Parade participants dance down the street in their costumes full of Carribean pride.
For an experience of something different, try the West Indian-American Labor Day celebration. It’s guaranteed to be something you will never forget. A taste of the Islands right here in Brooklyn.
For more information visit http://www.wiadca.org – The West Indian-American Day Carnival Association.
