Amid much fanfare, the Brooklyn-based West Indian-American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) last Thursday, Aug. 21, launched its 2025 Caribbean Carnival in front of the Brooklyn Museum.
The annual launch usually take place at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
“Welcome to New York Carnival Week 2025,” said WIADCA Senior Media Manager Tamara Ivey in her opening remarks. “It’s Vive Le Carnivale! Happening Aug. 28 through Sept. 1,” added Grenadian-born Ivey, stating that the event is “in celebration of mas, pan, cuisine, youth, adults, seniors and minority businesses.”
“Thank you to all city agencies, Mayor Adams, Gov. Hochul, our elected officials, and the cultural groups, mas bands, and steel bands that have supported us for 58 years – through COVID, through community challenges, through ups and downs,” she continued. “Thank you for holding us down. So, let’s get started.”
The opening ceremony featured remarks by, among others, WIADCA chairman, Vincentian-born attorney Andrew Maloney; WIADCA chairperson of Mas Trinidadian Cecile Ford; Haitian-American sponsor Sheila Whitaker; and Brooklyn Museum Representative Keanna Hendrick.
“This year, the museum is celebrating 200 years; our mission is to bring people together, “Hendrick said. “WIADCA has been a cornerstone of community building in Brooklyn. Gratitude to WIADCA for bringing you magic to Brooklyn.”
NYPD Commanding Officer Chief Giordano said: “We’ll have cops all over the city, and we’ll keep the city safe.”
Ford agreed: “We’d like to be safe for the carnival,” adding: “Don’t forget our youth. They’re keeping our heritage alive.”
The launch also featured, among others, steel pan rendition by six-year-old Sir Halo; Tassa Drummers; Stilt Dancers; J’Ouvert performers; Kiasocka Moko Jumbie; and dancing by the Taylor Lovett Dance Academy, and Trinidadian Makayla Peterson and Grenadian Omari Baptiste, of Sesame Flyers.
WIADCA said it is celebrating “58 years of Caribbean culture, cuisine, programs, contribution, mas, steel band and more” under the theme “Vive Le Carnivale!”
It said the festivities culminate on Eastern Parkway, “Caribbean Cultural Row”, for the massive carnival parade on Labor Day Monday.
WIADCA said Rum and Music: Reggae Edition starts at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, at the parking lot at the back of the Brooklyn Museum, 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, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Later, on Saturday, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., Panorama will be showcased, WIADCA said, featuring “the sweet sounds of steel.”
Rum & Music: Ultimate Fete takes place on Sunday, starting at 3 p.m., featuring Patrice Roberts, Problem Child, Skinny Fabulous and Lyrikal.
Then, on Monday, Labor Day, 10 a.m.-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.
