NYC Caribbean Parade 2016: Parade Route, Schedule And Everything Else You Need To Know

The New York City Caribbean Carnival Parade, also known as the West Indian Day Parade, is one of the biggest events that Brooklyn has to offer. Known for the vibrant costumes and lively crowd, the gathering celebrates a variety of Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Belize, according to amNewYork.

The parade is organized by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA,) which also hosts a five day celebration the highlights the various culture.

All of the WIADCA celebration concerts and events take place at the Brooklyn Museum, located at 200 Eastern Pkwy Brooklyn, NY 11238.

“Most unions have a large contingent of members who are from the Caribbean and who take their involvement seriously,” West Indian American Day Carnival Association President William Howard explained to the New York Daily NEws. “Like 1199 – they probably have 50,000 members in Brooklyn. We also have TWU, with a large contingent of members in Brooklyn, most of them Caribbean.”

This year’s carnival grand marshals are City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito; Guyana Consul General Barbara Atherly; Barbados U.N. Ambassador Keith (Tony) Marshall; and Conrad Ifill, president and CEO of Conrad’s Famous Bakery.

Among the events is Dimanche Gras. Taking place on Sunday, attendees will get to see Aaron Duncan, Natasha Wilson, Grynner King, the Sunshine Band and more. Tickets are $30 and will c' the

ost more at the door."

Kicking off Monday at 11 a.m. the parade will run along Crown Heights beginning at Schenectady Avenue, making its way down Eastern Parkway and will come to a stop at Grand Army Plaza at 6 p.m.

The parade involves a maze of bands and floats, as well as spectators and vendors selling Caribbean food and beverages, arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry and other items.

"The influx of tourists from all over the world has benefited New York City on an economic level, most recognizably with large corporations, small businesses and the tourist/service industries," the event's website reads.

For more information on the events, visit WIADCA.