West Indian American Day Parade steps off with steel bands, colorful costumes, stilt walkers
West Indian American Day Parade steps off with steel bands, colorful costumes, stilt walkers
Revelers take part in J’Ouvert, a celebration commemorating freedom from slavery, prior to the annual West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Police officers stand by as revelers take part in J’Ouvert, a celebration commemorating freedom from slavery, prior to the annual West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers cover themselves with oil during J’Ouvert, a celebration commemorating freedom from slavery, prior to the annual West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Spectators gather to watch the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People take pictures of a dancer in costume during the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People take pictures with a dancer in costume during the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade.(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
A dancer prepares during the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade.(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers gather for J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
A drone is seen flying over revelers during J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
A dancer in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade.(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’Ouvert, a celebration commemorating freedom from slavery, prior to the annual West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’Ouvert, a celebration commemorating freedom from slavery, prior to the annual West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’Ouvert, a celebration commemorating freedom from slavery, prior to the annual West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Police officers stand by as revelers take part in J’Ouvert, a celebration commemorating freedom from slavery, prior to the annual West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Police officers stand by as revelers take part in J’Ouvert, a celebration commemorating freedom from slavery, prior to the annual West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers cover themselves with oil during J’Ouvert, a celebration commemorating freedom from slavery, prior to the annual West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers cover themselves with oil during J’Ouvert, a celebration commemorating freedom from slavery, prior to the annual West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Spectators gather to watch the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Spectators gather to watch the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People take pictures of a dancer in costume during the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People take pictures of a dancer in costume during the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People take pictures with a dancer in costume during the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade.(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People take pictures with a dancer in costume during the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade.(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
A dancer prepares during the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade.(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
A dancer prepares during the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade.(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers gather for J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers gather for J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
A drone is seen flying over revelers during J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
A drone is seen flying over revelers during J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’ouvert celebration, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
A dancer in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade.(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
A dancer in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade.(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’Ouvert, a celebration commemorating freedom from slavery, prior to the annual West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Revelers take part in J’Ouvert, a celebration commemorating freedom from slavery, prior to the annual West Indian American Day Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
NEW YORK (AP) — The annual West Indian American Day Parade stepped off in New York City on Monday with brightly colored costumes, steel bands, flag waving and street dancing.
The Brooklyn parade is the culmination of carnival week and one of the world’s largest celebrations of Caribbean culture. The parade routinely attracts more than 1 million people for what has become one the city’s most spirited annual events.
A separate street party known as J’Ouvert, commemorating freedom from slavery, began in the early morning hours.
The main parade started later in the morning and featured steel drum players, stilt walkers and dancers wearing flamboyant costumes. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams were among the elected officials who either showed up for the parade or marched in it.
Hundreds of thousands of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants have settled in Brooklyn and have helped turn the Labor Day celebration into a must-see event.
The parade returned last year after a pandemic-induced hiatus.