West Indian Day Parade, J'Ouvert 2023 NYC: Street Closures, Security

BROOKLYN, NY — Labor, schlabor, Monday in Brooklyn we celebrate J'Ouvert and march with the West Indian Day Parade.

Here's what Brooklynites need to know:

J'Ouvert

What: This colorful event signals the start of Carnival with steal band music and a daybreak (thus the name jour ouvert) party to celebrate the culture of the Caribean diaspora.

Where: The parade begins at Grand Army Plaza, marches down Flatbush Avenue, swings a left onto Empire Boulevard and tails off onto Nostrand Avenue.

When: 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Security: J'Ouvert parade attendees will be searched with wands at one of 13 entry points. Additional lighting will be provided throughout the celebration. Authorities have already called for cease-fires and sent out notices to area gangs. Drones will help monitor 311 and non-emergency calls. Organizers have also hired private security to supplement the NYPD's efforts, and Crisis Management System teams will be deployed 250 strong.

West Indian Day Parade

What: Some of the most colorful, feathery fantastic costumes ever seen on parade.

Where: The parade marches down Eastern Parkway toward Grand Army Plaza, typically kicking off at Schenectady Avenue.

When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Streets Closed

The following streets will be closed on Sunday and Monday:

• Grand Army Plaza (Entire Circle)
• Buffalo Avenue between Eastern Parkway and East New York Avenue
• 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. John’s 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