BROOKLYN, NY — Thousands thronged the streets of Brooklyn Monday to dance, wave their flags and celebrate the West Indian American Day Parade and J’ouvert.
The festivities started on the streets at 6 a.m. on Monday with J’ouvert, or “daybreak” in Creole. J’ouvert is a joyful commemoration of the end of slavery in the Caribbean and the impact of Caribbean culture worldwide.
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Then, the West Indian American Day Parade kicked off at Lincoln Terrace Park in Crown Heights at 11 a.m. Monday, a dazzling array of floats, sequins, skin, feathers and body paint.
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Several community leaders attended the event, including Senate Majority Leader and Brooklynite Chuck Schumer.
“I love all the islands, you know why? All of them are here in Brooklyn,” Schumer said.
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