Brooklyn’s beloved annual West Indian Day Parade may have been canceled, but the grand finale will still go on!
Carnival is going virtual this year with the West Indian American Day Carnival Association’s “Back to Love” celebration of all things Carribean culture. The event will capture all of the same energy, color and excitement of the much-loved yearly event, but with a few virtual twists!
The West Indian American Day Carnival started in Harlem back in the 1930s, and moved to Brooklyn in the ‘50s where it has become an iconic NYC tradition ever since. The event celebrates the vibrant traditions and culture of the West Indies through music, food, dance, costumes, performances, and so much more for over a million New Yorkers and tourists.
And the organizers are taking inspiration from those original founders with their “Back to Love” theme for this year’s virtual lineup!
First, this Friday, September 4 enjoy New York Carnival’s first virtual music fest with all the Caribbean sounds you love: Soca, Afrobeats, Reggae, and Kompa. No stage, no curtain, just pure love and vibes!
Then Monday, September 7 (Labor Day) is the main event, with carnival celebrations (with DIY costumed masqueraders, including yourself!), performances by artists and DJ’s and so much more.
Lastly, on Saturday, September 26, immerse yourself in the sounds of the steelpan instrument with live performances from steelbands and pan soloists from around the world, plus interviews and highlights from past “Panorama” events at previous Carnivals.
And it’s all completely free (with donations appreciated)!