The flags of different Caribbean nations draped Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn on Monday for a single celebration: the West Indian American Day Parade.

For the 56th year, Caribbean culture took center stage in the borough, with vibrant outfits covered in sequins and feathers, traditional Caribbean food and of course, lots of dancing. 

“It’s the greatest thing. It’s beautiful the way we do it," one paradegoer said. "Everyone comes together, all different cultures, all walks of life, and we all show what we came from. We are all different, but we all come together."

The parade celebrations followed the traditional early morning of J’Ouvert. The term originates from the French word meaning "daybreak," when the party begins and continues through the parade.

“I have been waiting, deliberating for this day, and it’s a day of celebration and family and friends you haven’t seen in a long time, and celebrating the various cultures and having fun," attendee Derek Cyrus said.

“The food. The costumes, oh my God. We can all come together as one and enjoy it. That’s the best thing,” attendee Lynette King added. 

This year's theme was "World Stage." It is a tribute to the recently declared "World Steelpan Day" by the United Nations.

Celebrated on Aug. 11, the steelpan is a musical instrument originating in Trinidad and Tobago and used in music across Caribbean countries.

For longtime or first-time revelers, the celebration is a showing of unity.

“Everyone is one today. We all have different flags representing different countries, but we are all one today,” attendee Rose Thomas said.