Edwin Worrell, second from left, Derek Noel, second from right, with masqueraders in Deck Productions, Branches and Associates and Mango Tree Productions’ “A Touch of Class” in WIADCA Carnival Parade 2024.
Photo by Nelson A. King
The Brooklyn-based West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) has released its theme, “Vive Le Carnivale,“ for this year’s New York Carnival Week 2025.
Rhea Smith, WIADCA’s Trinidadian-born board member, told Caribbean Life on Monday, July 21, that arguably the largest carnival in North America is expected to exhibit “a vibrant celebration of Caribbean heritage, music, and unity.
“From Aug. 28 – Sept. 1, Brooklyn will be lit with six unforgettable events at the Brooklyn Museum ending on Eastern Parkway,“ she said.
Smith said highlights include: Aug 28: Rum & Music Dancehall Edition, 5 p.m.; Aug. 29: Soca Fest – Kes The Band, Bunji Gatlin and more – 6 p.m.; Aug. 30: Youth Fest Junior Carnival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Panorama, 6 p.m.; Aug. 31: Rum & Music The Ultimate Fete, 3 p.m., with Lyrikal, Skinny Fabulous, Problem Child and more; Labor Day, Sept. 1: The 58th Annual New York Carnival Parade, 10 a.m.
Except for the Carnival Parade on Eastern Parkway, all other events will occur at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11238.
“Interested in vending at one of our events?“ Smith asked. “We welcome vendors from a wide range of industries. Come make our events something special and promote your brand in the process.
“Join the movement and celebrate 58 years of culture, community, and Caribbean pride — Vive Le Carnivale!“ she added.
As in previous years, millions of spectators and thousands of masqueraders and revelers converged on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway last Labor Day for the 57th Annual West Indian American Day Carnival Parade in picture-perfect weather.
The New York Caribbean Carnival Week, which starts on the Thursday before Labor Day, culminates on Monday, Labor Day, with the grand parade of masqueraders, with large and small costumes, displaying the culture of the Caribbean, along a 3 ½-mile route on Eastern Parkway, starting at Buffalo Avenue and ending at Grand Army Plaza and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.
WIADCA said over 3 million spectators, largely behind police barricades, are expected to view and celebrate this year’s 58 years of Caribbean culture, cuisine, programs, contributions, mas, steel band music, and much more.
For more information on vending, email [email protected]; for floats, contact [email protected]; visit carnival. NYC; or call 728-4671797.