Caribbean culture will be on full display in New York City Monday, when thousands of New Yorkers clad in colorful costumes will parade through the streets of Brooklyn.
As in years past, J’Ouvert, French for “day break,” will kick off at 6 a.m. at Grand Army Plaza. The West Indian Day Parade, featuring vibrant costumes, festive music and food, will begin right after J’Ouvert ends at 11 a.m.
The following streets will be closed from Sunday, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 2 at the discretion of the NYPD in Brooklyn.
- Grand Army Plaza (Entire Circle)
- Buffalo Avenue between Eastern Parkway and East New York Avenue
- Rochester Avenue between East New York Avenue and Sterling Place
- Ralph Avenue between Eastern Parkway and East New York Avenue
- East New York Avenue between Howard Avenue and Utica Avenue
- Eastern Parkway between Howard Avenue and Grand Army Plaza
- Washington Avenue between Sterling Place and Lincoln Road
- Flatbush Avenue between Grand Army Plaza and Caton Avenue
- Ocean Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Parkside Avenue
- Butler Place between Grand Army Plaza and Sterling Place
- St. Johns Place between Underhill Avenue and Grand Army Plaza
- Rockaway Parkway between East New York Avenue and Rutland Road
- Parkside Avenue between Park Circle and Flatbush Avenue
- Bedford Avenue between Eastern Parkway and Empire Boulevard
- Empire Boulevard between Flatbush Avenue and Nostrand Avenue
- Nostrand Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Linden Boulevard
- Lincoln Place between Eastern Parkway and East New York Avenue
NYPD officials on Friday said the agency will be ramping up security to ensure the safety of parade-goers.
"As we do each year, we'll have a strong police presence at events all throughout the weekend," NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said at a press conference.
"There will be plenty of safety measures that people will see, and there will be plenty of measures that you will not see,” Maddrey added. "We will be using some of our technology to enhance our security plan, including the use of our drones."
NYPD Assistant Chief Charles McEvoy, the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, said six drone teams will be working during the J’Ouvert celebration, while another six drone teams will be used to assist during the West Indian Day Parade.
Dozens of temporary surveillance cameras will also be deployed throughout the borough, McEvoy said.
“I encourage everyone to come out, celebrate with your fellow New Yorkers, and be sure to do it safely and responsibly,” Maddrey said. “We accomplish public safety best when we do it together: cops and community working as one to ensure safety. And together, we are going to have a great festival this weekend.”