Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso invites residents to join in a vibrant celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month at a day-long outdoor party hosted on Saturday, June 24th, from 12 PM to 6 PM ET at the iconic Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza. The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), renowned for organizing NYC’s Labor Day Carnival Parade down Eastern Parkway, joins as a partner to showcase the borough’s rich Caribbean roots.
The festivities will kick off with live beats by DJ Dr. Haze, setting the stage for a lively atmosphere. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a diverse range of activities throughout the event. Dance performances infused with Afro-Caribbean rhythms, captivating spoken word, live steel pan music, and energetic soca performances will keep the crowd entertained. The celebration will also feature parades of Mas, showcasing vibrant costumes and the joyous spirit of Caribbean culture.
Children will have the opportunity to engage in arts and crafts activities, creating their own Carnival headwear and immersing themselves in the creative traditions of the Caribbean. Additionally, read-aloud sessions with Caribbean authors will captivate young minds and foster a love for literature and storytelling.
Food enthusiasts can indulge in the flavors of the Caribbean with a variety of food trucks on the Plaza. These culinary hotspots will offer free samples of their delectable menus, representing the diverse cuisines from across the islands. It’s a chance for Brooklynites to savor authentic dishes and experience the rich and vibrant culinary heritage of the Caribbean.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who hails from Dominican immigrant parents, expressed his excitement for the event, emphasizing the significance of celebrating the stories and cultures that shape the borough. The celebration serves as a testament to Brooklyn’s diversity and the contributions of the Caribbean community.
Joining Borough President Reynoso at the celebration will be Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Reverend Kim Council, DJ Dr. Haze, Batalá New York—a premier all-women, Black-led percussion ensemble—and talented performers from WIADCA, including youth Caribbean dancers and steel pan players. The event will also feature the captivating poetry of Layla Charles, the youthful energy of 14-year-old Soca artist KJ, the dynamic rhythm of Pan in Motion, and the talent of the youth steel pan group Genesis. The Medgar Evers College Preparatory School’s Dance Team will showcase their impressive moves, and various Mas Bands will contribute to the festive spirit.
The celebration will take place at Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza, located at 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Attendees can enter through Court St. and Remsen St.
The West Indian American Day Carnival Association, founded in 1967 and headquartered in New York City, works diligently to promote and celebrate Caribbean culture, arts, food, history, traditions, and people. Their collaboration with the community throughout the year culminates in a week-long display of festivities, culminating in the grand finale Carnival Parade.
