West Indian Day Parade is a very majestic and colorful event that celebrates the West Indian culture. But what is West Indian culture? Well it is the culture of the Carribean countries which includes countries like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Haiti, etc.
It was started by the Carribean immigrants in the US with an aim to celebrate and also preserve their culture while doing so also educating about their culture to the local population.
Today it is an annual celebration which takes place at Brooklyn in New York and it is celebrated on the day of labor day so this year it falls on 5th September.
| Event | West Indian Day Parade |
|---|---|
| Date | September 5, 2022 |
| Day | Monday |
| Significance | Celebrates the West Indian culture |
| Observed by | Carribean countries |
West Indian Day Parade History:
The origins of West Indian Day Parade can be traced back to the 1920s when private pre-Lenten Carnival parties started to be held by Caribbean immigrants in and around of Harlem.
Trinidadian Jessie Waddell started a Carnival in Harlem complete with costume parties at renowned spaces, such as the Savoy and the Audubon Ballrooms along with various dances. And by the start of the 1930s these festivals became very prominent among the local people.
Although these parades were started in Harlem and they continued happening there for a long time. But in 1969 it was decided that the parade would be moved to Brooklyn as it was a more happening spot so while organizing it there a large number of people can be gathered for the parade. The West Indian-American Day Carnival Association got a permit to parade on Eastern Parkway so they decided to shift it.
West Indian Day Parade Significance:
Today the West Indian Parade Day has become so huge that upwards of 3 million people now converge on New York for the annual West Indian Day Parade, making it one of the biggest festivals in the world.
And it is very significant for the West Indies culture as well as we already are aware of that how lively and colorful is the Carribean culture and this provides them the perfect opportunity to express the richness of their culture through fun and enjoyment.
In another way it also helps the Carribean community of the United States to stay connected with their roots as it helps them to preserve their culture. Carribbean culture is loaded with colorful costumes, dances and music and they hardly get to enjoy it while working for whole year so this one day is a day dedicated to them for expressing their culture and enjoy lively moments.
And this day is a treat for all the Americans too as they get experience and enjoy a very delightful festival as they enjoy their day-off because of labor day by experiencing this grand festival. It also helps in building harmony between the different communities of the US as they celebrates with each other without any form of discrimination so it is good for country as well.
West Indian Day Parade Celebrations:
During the West Indian Day Parade we see a huge rally takes place on this day loaded with people and thus it is called parade. During this parade we see many types of performances and events, everything from costumes, dances to music all deeply rooted in the Carribean culture.
So many people also use this opportunity to showcase their talents in the field of acrobatic stunts, dances, music as both musicians and singers. And while showing their talent they also gives entertainment to the masses who enjoys it very much.
Outside from the performers many people also volunteers on this day for performances and many non-Carribbean community people too takes part during these celebrations because of their love for Carribbean culture. So it is a very lively time to experience especially for the kids.
When we talk about Carribbean culture then how can we forget about yummy Carribbean food and to experience it this festival is the perfect place for that as during this festival many stalls serving you different varieties of Carribbean food are stationed for you to enjoy the rich Carribbean cuisine.
Most Searched FAQs on West Indian Day Parade:
1. When is West Indian Day Parade is celebrated?
West Indian Day Parade is celebrated annually simultaneously with the US Labor Day.
2. Where is West Indian Day Parade is celebrated?
West Indian Day Parade takes place annually at Brooklyn, New York.
3. When was West Indian Day Parade was started?
The West Indian Day Parade was started in the 1920s by the Carribean immigrants in Harlem.