Brooklyn's J'Ouvert Parade Canceled For 2nd Year In A Row

BROOKLYN, NY — The pre-dawn J'Ouvert celebration that kicks off West Indian Day Parade will also be put off another year, organizers have announced.

As it was last year, the J'Ouvert parade will be canceled due to health concerns. J'Ouvert typically kicks off the West Indian Day Parade, which organizers also recently announced will not take place in its usual form.

Leaders of J'Ouvert City International said that concerns about safety led to the decision.

“As keepers of this beautiful culture we were hoping to host our event this year, but the cons overweighed the pros as we looked at the bigger picture of the health and safety of our people,” J’Ouvert City International President Yvette Rennie said.

Last year, J'Ouvert's usual celebrations were replaced with a ceremony honoring frontline workers and J'Ouvert Steelband members who were lost to the pandemic.

This year, there will be some virtual events, workshops and a walking tour of historical buildings along the parade route, Rennie said.

Rennie confirmed that the regular parade will be back "bigger and better in 2022."

The West Indian Day Parade line-up will also include a mix of virtual and smaller, in-person events for its 2021 program.

So far, organizers have planned a "Welcome Back" musical experience, a Steel Pan Jamboree party and a "Jus' Like Mas" party, all at the Brooklyn Museum. There will also be a virtual "International Youth Fest."