Some were in regal costume, others were still energized by J’Ouvert, while others just wanted oxtail, jerk chicken, or sorrel. Whatever your choice, Brooklyn had a blast during the 58th Annual West Indian Day Parade and all its festivities that celebrate Caribbean culture and tradition. This year’s theme was “Vive Le Carnivale.”
Hundreds of thousands came to Brooklyn to soak up Caribbean artistry, music, culture, and food, or show off their elaborate costumes. In this borough, Labor Day is synonymous with partaking in the J’Ouvert and West Indian parade events throughout the long weekend that culminated this year on Monday, Sept. 1.
Based on census data, Caribbean immigrants and people of Caribbean descent make up a significant portion of New York City’s population, as well as city and state government.
Ariama C. Long photos
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul (center), her husband (left), and Rev. Al Sharpton (right) at start of West Indian Day Parade. 
Congressmember Yvette Clarke (right) on West Indian Day Parade route in costume. 
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (left) celebrated his birthday at start of West Indian Day Parade on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. 
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso joined Haitian float, advocating for immigrant rights at West Indian Day Parade. 
A Jab Jab, or person covered in oil and horns during J’Ouvert event. Traditionally symbolizing freedom and emancipation. 
Brooklyn Assemblymembers Brian Cunningham (left) and Monique Chandler-Waterman on float. 
Friends adorned with chains and oil at J’Ouvert event. 
New York City Councilmembers rep their flags at West Indian Day Parade. 
A group of friends covered in paint and powder at J’Ouvert event. 
Outside the Brooklyn Museum on Eastern Parkway during J’Ouvert celebrations in Brooklyn early on September 1, 2025 
Democratic Mayoral nominee and Queens Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani greeted parade-goers along parade route on Monday, Sept. 1. 
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams on his float at West Indian Day Parade. 
Thousands of parade-goers cross the street during West Indian Day Parade. 
Attendees celebrate J’Ouvert on Flatbush Avenue. 
Parade goers inside the crowded barricades on Monday, Sept. 1. 
Brooklynite covered in oil at J’Ouvert celebration on Flatbush Avenue.
Every year, Caribbean New Yorkers and electeds gather to represent their home countries from all over the islands, including Jamaica, Haiti, the Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and many others. Most importantly, the event honors the sacrifices of enslaved Africans brought to various islands as they fought their way to freedom, carrying with them the traditions of carnival.
Several politicians graced the parkway, including Mayor Eric Adams, who celebrated his 65th birthday, and Governor Kathy Hochul, who cut a ceremonial ribbon at the start of the parade with National Action Network (NAN) President Rev. Al Sharpton. All of the mayoral hopefuls running against Adams were also spotted campaigning at the parade, including State Assemblymember and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
The parade route was about 2 miles down Eastern Parkway, stretching from the Crown Heights neighborhood to the Grand Army Plaza in downtown Brooklyn.
Shortly after the parade wrapped, a rash of gun violence erupted in the nearby Crown Heights area. According to WPIX, six people were wounded by gunfire and one was slashed as the crowd dispersed after the end of the parade Monday afternoon. So far, one person has been taken into custody: a 31-year-old man who was charged with criminal possession of a weapon.
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