Arts & Entertainment

J'Ouvert 2023 Photos: BK Celebration Brings The Joy, Mantis Puppet

Highlights from the annual West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn on September 04, 2023.

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A dancer in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York.
A dancer in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

BROOKLYN — Thousands thronged the streets of Brooklyn Monday to throw color, bring joy and celebrate a New York City tradition that has proved stronger than a global pandemic.

J'Ouvert and the West Indian Day Parade marched proudly through Central Brooklyn on Labor Day uniting people from across the five boroughs for the historic festival.

Here are just a few special moments. And a big praying mantis puppet.

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People in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, September 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
People in costume participate in the West Indian Day Parade on Monday in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers participate in the West Indian Day Parade on Monday during the Brooklyn borough of New York.. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams cut a ribbon to start the West Indian American Day Carnival Association parade on September 4, 2023 in New York City. (Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock)
Revelers participate in the annual West Indian Day parade in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. (Photo by Ryan Rahman/Pacific Press/Shutterstock)
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban participates in the annual West Indian Day parade in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. (Photo by Ryan Rahman/Pacific Press)
Participants march in the West Indian American Day Carnival Association parade on Monday. (Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock)
Mayor Eric Adams marchs in the West Indian American Day Carnival Association parade on September 4, 2023 in New York City. (Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock)
Governor Kathy Hochul and Reverend Al Sharpton march in the West Indian American Day Carnival Association parade on September 4, 2023 in New York City. (Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock)

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