Afifa Khanam, Anwar Shahadat, New York – Brooklyn‘s Eastern Parkway came alive Monday as thousands of people gathered for the 59th annual West Indian American Day Parade.
The parade, held on Labor Day, brought together Caribbean communities from across New York City and beyond. Participants filled the route with colorful costumes, music, dancing, and flags representing countries and communities across the Caribbean.
The annual celebration is one of New York City’s largest expressions of Caribbean culture. Steel-pan music, soca, calypso, and other Caribbean traditions were featured throughout the parade.
The procession traveled along Eastern Parkway toward Grand Army Plaza. Spectators lined the streets to watch marching groups, cultural organizations, performers, and elaborate costumes.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul also took part in the parade. Their participation highlighted the importance of the Caribbean community and its cultural contributions to New York City.
The parade is the centerpiece of New York’s annual Caribbean Carnival celebrations. It provides an opportunity for generations of Caribbean Americans to celebrate their heritage, traditions, and community in the heart of Brooklyn.
The event once again turned Eastern Parkway into a colorful celebration of Caribbean culture and New York’s diverse communities.
