bleeds writes on the Prospect Heights Message Board: “I love rising at 3 am to the beautiful melodies of steel drums. This year, j’ouvert lasted from 3-7:45 am! The costumes were wackier! And I saw a lot of New Orleanians who seem to have adopted Brooklyn as their new home. Great mix!”
“I’ve been on Eastern Parkway for 15 years, and the West Indian day festivities is always such a great experience. Hands down, the best parade in the city.”
There’s not as much agreement on the parade itself, which some say hasn’t been the same since Giuliani outlawed the $1 Red Stripe truck (and sales of any alcohol, for that matter). Crabby native Idlewild says: “… Not too many live bands or costumes, but plenty of politicians and unions… The only ones who seemed to be putting any effort into having a good time were the Jamaican and Guyanese trucks/crew. I did have a good plate of fried shrimp though, and there didn’t seem to be much of a crowd.”
Au contraire, says Carnivore, who posted this mid-parade update: “The parade is awesome this year! The police presence is totally toned down, with fewer and wider choke points … Good food (check out “Triniclair” for a kick-ass vegetarian roti). I even saw jerk pork, for the first time in a few years. The live bands typically come a little later in the parade (probably tired from J’Ouvert). The Owens/Baton float had some nice steel drums though. And the Hot 97 Float kicked major ass!”
Did you miss the conch salad at the Bahamian stand east of Nostrand Ave.?
More parade links:
Batson Works the West Indian Parade [Prospect Heights Message Board]
Photo set from redlipstick [Flickr]
West Indian “Pride” Celebrated [NY1]
“Mysterious Package” at West Indian Day Parade [YouTube]