BK West Indian Day Celebrations Start This Week: What To Know

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — Although thousands of people won't make their way down Eastern Parkway in the West Indian Day Parade this year, there are still several ways to celebrate Caribbean heritage for the holiday.

Organizers of the West Indian Day Parade have set up a mix of virtual and smaller, in-person events to replace the usual Labor Day weekend Caribbean carnival, which was canceled for the second year due to the coronavirus crisis.

This year's line-up will include a series of smaller events at the Brooklyn Museum that will kick off on Thursday, including a "Welcome Back" musical experience, a Steel Pan Jamboree party and a "Jus' Like Mas" party. A virtual "International Youth Fest" is also on the schedule.

"This is not the year for a big event, so they’ve come up with a new approach," Mayor Bill de Blasio said of the celebrations. "This is never easy...to postpone a cherished tradition, but it is the right thing to do."

The pre-dawn kick off to the West Indian Day celebrations, the J'Ouvert parade, has also been canceled due to health concerns.

It will instead include walking tours of the neighborhood throughout the "cultural season," according to J'Ouvert City International President Yvette Rennie.

Here's a look at the West Indian Day celebration schedule:

Thursday, Sept. 2:

Vibes With Voicey

The celebration begins on Labor Day Thursday as VIBES WITH VOICEY kicks off at 4:00 pm at the Brooklyn Museum.
Brooklyn Museum | 4:00 PM

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Friday, Sept. 3:

Welcome Back!

A cultural/musical experience that incorporates musicians and artists from the entire diaspora. During this event we bring various genres of music to Brooklyn. Artists and DJs will be announced on a rolling basis and tickets are on sale.
Brooklyn Museum | 7:00 PM
Click To Purchase Your Tickets

Saturday, Sept. 4:

Virtual International Youth Fest

Live Stream Performances: www.carnival.nyc, YouTube, and Facebook. This year to ensure our youth are safe we will be hosting our Youth Fest virtually. An end of summer Caribbean Talent showcase promoting performing arts and cultural diversity where all performances are welcome.
Live On carnival.nyc | YouTube | Facebook | 11:00 AM

Steel Pan Jamboree

This culturally enriching showcase is complete with live performances from steelbands, pan soloists, doubles, quartets and more. The audience will witness an immersive steel band experience with performances surrounding them on the lawn of the Brooklyn Museum.
Brooklyn Museum | 7:00 PM
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Sunday, Sept. 5:

Amnesia

GAMEFACE Welcomes VALEVIBE & BLACK STAR ENT. We present to you AMNESIA The Reunion THE BREAKFAST PARTY! AMNESIA Will Now Be At The Historic BROOKLYN MUSEUM Labor Day Sunday September 5th BREAKFAST SERVED from 8am to 12pm! Beautiful People, HottestDJs, Best Drinks, Good Food, Plenty Vibes. Get Your Tickets And Get Ready For The Fun. Brought To You By GAMEFACE The Love Promotion Have Fun Live Young.
Brooklyn Museum | 8:00 AM
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Monday, Sept. 6:

Labor Day Monday Carnival “Jus’ Like Mas” Powered by NY Carnival

“MAS” is the shortened form of the word “MASQUERADE”. This year we are doing it “Jus’ Like Mas'' with the ultimate Labor Day Monday experience. Get your costumes because the bands are coming! The road experience is coming to the Brooklyn Museum with premium drinks and lots of beautiful Mas wear. All participants and guests are invited to come costume ready with their Monday wear. Included in the ticket are drinks, music trucks, international DJS and live performances for the greatest Caribbean artists.
Brooklyn Museum | 11:00 AM
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Find out more information about all the events here.