Not even overcast skies and a chance of rain could keep the crowds of masqueraders from hitting the streets for the annual West Indian Day festivities in New York.
The festive climate prevailed a year after violence marred the annual celebration, which celebrates the culture of the Caribbean islands and is one of the city’s largest outdoor events.
“The plan for today is to have a peaceful event,” Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said after a pre-parade breakfast. “We have a lot of police officers deployed to make certain it’s as peaceful and safe as it can be.”
Thousands of people have flocked to Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway to celebrate their Caribbean culture and view the masqueraders on display.
