A tradition since the 1920s, The West Indian - American Day parade has become New York's largest cultural celebration. It was first held in Harlem then moved to Brooklyn in 1969 where every year on Labour Day this outdoor extravaganza has become a magnet for millions of party goers. The Carnival has inspired imitators in other cities such as Miami and Boston. The parade has a dark underbelly, blamed on drugs and reggae, with several incidents of violence reported during the course of the celebration. But this is now being cleaned up: this year there is only one policeman taken to the hospital, three people are dead, and less than fifty people injured.



For more information, go to the website of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association



or



The Brooklyn Public Library