Dubbed the mother of all Caribbean festivals in the United States, the 43rd annual West Indian Carnival Festival 2010, is set to rock Brooklyn, NY next month.
The Brooklyn-anchored historic event, often described as the largest parade and festival in the United States attracts over 3.5 million participants annually, effectively pulling more people than the entire population of the island of Jamaica. This year it will kick off on September 6th at 11 a.m. from Schenectady Avenue and Eastern Parkway, unlike previous years when it kicked off from Buffalo and Rogers Avenues. A change in city rule for parades this year has resulted in a shorter parade route.
The carnival celebration, according to organizers, will begin this year with a benefit concert for Haiti behind the Brooklyn Museum. This concert is slated to headlined by Grammy winning hip hop artiste and Haitian Presidential candicate, Wyclef Jean. It will also feature David Rudder, Kevin Lyttle, Serani, Carimi, Bruck Up, Pupa Leendi, Bud Ramsey, Kevon Carter and many more artists from across the Caribbean. Proceeds from this event will be given to the Jean`s Yele` Foundation, in support of their relief efforts during the aftermath of Haiti`s earthquake.
The remainder of the weekend is jam-packed with six events culminating in the Brooklyn Labor Day Parade on Eastern Parkway. Other carnival events include the Junior (Kiddies) Carnival Parade on Friday September 3, and the Brass Festival featuring Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Destra, Krosfyah, Denise Belfon, Lyrikal, Lady Saw and Talpree. On Saturday, September 4th, WIDACA will host the Steel Band Panorama Competition and on Sunday September 5 is Dimanche Gras, at which carnival king and queen will be crowned.
