The National West Indian Day Parade is an essential cultural NYC event that began in Harlem back in the 1920s. Around 3 million people celebrate this event in NYC each year, making it one of the biggest festivals in the world.
The West Indies includes an extraordinary range of people and places. It’s the name for a region of the Caribbean Sea that includes countries comprising the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Lucayan Archipelago.
This year’s parade is scheduled to march down Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, Brooklyn on Monday, September 4.
What is the National West Indian Day Parade?
The National West Indian Day Parade celebrates the heritage of the Caribbean. Singers, dancers, and musicians wear extravagant costumes and feathered head pieces, and tons of amazing floats make their way down the street. Powdered paint gets thrown around, and steel drums and whistles keep the party going all day long. Food vendors also line the streets selling Caribbean food and drinks.
When is the National West Indian Day Parade?
The West Indian Day Parade takes place each year on Labor Day. This year it’s happening on Monday, September 4.
Where is the West Indian Day Parade?
The parade marches down NYC’s Eastern Parkway, usually beginning at Schenectady Avenue and ending at Grand Army Plaza in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
What time is the West Indian Day Parade?
The parade begins at 11a.m.
Who are the Grand Marshals this year?
This year’s Grand Marshals include Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, along with Richard Davis, Ann-Marie Adamson, Michael Joseph, Kay Mason, and Jewel Alexis-Josey.
For more info visit their website.
What streets will be closed during the West Indian Day Parade?
- Grand Army Plaza (Entire Circle)
- Buffalo Avenue between East New York Avenue and Sterling Place
- Rochester Avenue between East New York Avenue and Sterling Place
- Ralph Avenue between Eastern Parkway and East New York Avenue
- East New York Avenue between Howard Avenue and Utica Avenue
- Eastern Parkway between Howard Avenue and Grand Army Plaza
- Washington Avenue between Sterling Place and Lincoln Road
- Flatbush Avenue between Grand Army Plaza and Caton Avenue
- Ocean Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Parkside Avenue
- Butler Place between Grand Army Plaza and Sterling Place
- St. Johns Place between Underhill Avenue and Grand Army Plaza
- Rockaway Parkway between East New York Avenue and Rutland Road
- Parkside Avenue between Park Circle and Flatbush Avenue
- Bedford Avenue between Eastern Parkway and Empire Boulevard
- Empire Boulevard between Flatbush Avenue and Nostrand Avenue
- Nostrand Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Linden Boulevard
- Lincoln Place between Eastern Parkway and East New York Avenue
What else is there to know?
Don’t forget about our exciting collab with Little Caribbean and get sweet deals on Mas Camp and a new ice cream flavor from Mr. P’s!