The Brooklyn-based West Indian-American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) announced that New York Caribbean Carnival Week kicks off next Thursday, Aug. 28 with a celebration of “58 years of Caribbean culture, cuisine, programs, contribution, mas, steel band and more,” under the theme, “Vive Le Carnivale!”
It said the festivities kick off at the Brooklyn Museum Grounds (Parking lot) and culminate on Eastern Parkway, “Caribbean Cultural Row”, for the massive carnival parade.
WIADCA said Rum and Music: Reggae Edition starts at 5 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 28, featuring Teejay, Valiant, Ding Dong and Aytian.
On Friday, Aug. 29, Soca Fest, starts at 7 p.m., featuring Kes the Band, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons, Mical Teja, Raymond and more.
The Youth Fest and Junior Carnival Parade takes place on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Watch as our youth celebrate Caribbean heritage through their carnival regalia depicting many characters and themes,” WIADCA said.
It said live entertainment provides an end-of-summer Caribbean talent showcase, with the first-time inclusion of “Youth Fest 2024,” highlighting live performances by emerging talent.
Later, on Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m., Panorama will be showcased, WIADCA said, featuring “the sweet sounds of steel.”
“Watch as NY Panorama 2024 Champs, Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra, defend their title against some of New York’s renowned orchestra’s like Despers USA, Metro Steel Orchestra, Steel Sensation, Pan in Motion, D’Radoes, Pan Alley and Philadelphia Pan Stars,” WIADCA said. “Support your favorite with the People’s Choice vote.”
Rum & Music: Ultimate Fete takes place on Sunday, starting at 3:00 p.m., featuring Patrice Roberts, Problem Child, Skinny Fabulous and Lyrikal.
Then, on Monday, Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the grand parade, presented by WIADCA and NY Carnival Bandleaders, showcases “an array of costumed masterpieces, celebrating all Caribbean cultures, music, delicious food and more led by our esteemed elected officials, cultural partners, sponsors, and our beautiful Caribbean community members,” WIADCA said.
It said participating adult bands include Sesame Carnival, Branches Mas, Suga Candy Mas’, Sky Maxx Mas, D’Midas International NY, 1199SEIU Mas, Greenz United, Vibez International, Banboche, We Love Antigua & Barbuda, Rendezvous Mas, D’ Island Hotties, Sak Passe, and I Am Caribbeing.
