The jubilation officially kicked off at 6 a.m. with J'Ouvert, meaning 'daybreak,' where people danced in the streets with steel bands while throwing paint, powder, and oil as a symbol of freedom and cultural expression.
This portion of the event 'was probably one of the safest J'ouverts we've had three years in a row' thanks to the efforts of crisis management teams, local clergy leaders, and the NYPD removing at least 25 guns off the streets.
After J'Ouvert, the West Indian Day carnival and parade began at 11 a.m. on Eastern Parkway with giant floats, steel-pan and calypso bands, reggae and soca music, and elaborate masqueraders in decked out costumes.
The festivities were briefly interrupted by sudden gunfire on Monday afternoon, but the parade continued, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the community despite the incident.
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