J'Ouvert And West Indian Day Parade 2019: What You Need To Know

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — It's that time of year when hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers flock to Crown Heights to celebrate J'Ouvert and cheer for the West Indian Day Parade.

The daybreak carnival and daylong festivities will bring calypso music, paint-throwing and long line of colorful floats to Eastern Parkway on Labor Day Monday, Sept. 2, city officials said.

Here's what you need to know if you're planning on dancing before dawn and cheering the paraders on.

When and where is J'Ouvert?

J'Ouvert is slated to begin at 6 a.m. at Grand Army Plaza, then head south on Flatbush Avenue, east on Empire Boulevard, south on Nostrand Avenue and end at Midwood Street.

What should I expect at J'Ouvert?

J'Ouvert, or "daybreak" is an annual sunrise festival to commemorate the emancipation of Trinidadian slaves. That celebration includes revelers showering one another with baby powder and paint, steel band music playing and the Jab Jab masquerade, where people dress as devils and wear chains.

When and where is the West Indian Day Parade?

The parade will start on Eastern Parkway near Roger Avenue at about noon, then head toward Grand Army Plaza. Festivities officially end about 6 p.m.

What should I expect at the West Indian Day Parade?

The parade will bring a long column of floats with people dressed in colorful costumes and Caribbean music playing. Official vendors will sell West Indian food, clothing and goods. Find out more on the West Indian Carnival Association website.

What kind of security will there be and why?

Top-level security measures will be in place this year following years of fatal shootings — including that of Andrew Cuomo's aide Carey Gabay — at the pre-dawn festival.

As they did last year, the NYPD will set up checkpoints to screen for weapons and alcohol and to insure festivities do not begin before 6 a.m. There will also be increased lighting along the parade route.

How do I get there?

You can take the 2, 3, 4, 5, Q and shuttle trains to various points along the parade route, but crowds and the MTA's holiday schedule might mean the trip takes longer than you'd expect.