Caribbean Fever: Breaking Down the West Indian American Day Carnival

Discover the rich history, the colorful costumes and more.

Changing of the WIADCA Guard - Yolanda Lezama-Clark, his daughter, was subsequently elected president, but quit in 2011 on the heels of a controversy involving NYPD officers posting hate messages on Facebook about the parade. Thomas Bailey replaced Lezama-Clark in 2012 and continues to head WIADCA today.(Photo: Courtesy of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association)
A Jam-Packed Weekend - A number of events targeting a wide age range are held annually from the Thursday before Labor Day through the weekend, culminating in the jubilant parade on the holiday itself. Check out the WIADCA website for a detailed schedule of official events.(Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
The Early Bird Gets the Party Started - Although not organized by WIADCA, J’ouvert marks the unofficial start to the parade, kicking off around 2 a.m. on Monday. Pronounced “Joo Vay,” the predawn celebration—named after the French word for daybreak—features hand-pushed steel bands, other percussionist instruments, masqueraders wearing mud, powder, paint and oil and dressed up like celebrities and other costumed characters.(Photo: ANDREA DE SILVA/LANDOV)
A Winding Route - The colorful parade can be viewed from Utica Avenue, where it proceeds along Eastern Parkway to Grand Army Plaza. Decked in extravagant costumes tailored months in advance, thousands of masquerade bands and camps, better known as mas, dance for miles atop and alongside themed floats as bystanders celebrate from the sidelines.(Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)Island Tunes - Music plays a significant role in the carnival. Calypso, soca, rap, reggae and several genres stemming from Caribbean culture connect the U.S.-based event to the islands from which it blossomed. During the popular Panorama competition, steel bands battle one another in the biggest and most skilled steel drum rivalry outside of Trinidad.(Photo: Alexandra Winkler/Landov)

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A Jam-Packed Weekend - A number of events targeting a wide age range are held annually from the Thursday before Labor Day through the weekend, culminating in the jubilant parade on the holiday itself. Check out the WIADCA website for a detailed schedule of official events.(Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

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