J’Ouvert and the West Indian American Day Parade and Festival return to Brooklyn on Monday.
Organizers say this year’s theme is “MAS,” which stands for music, action and soul. Thousands of people are expected to attend the celebration.
When is the West Indian American Day Parade?
J’Ouvert, an early morning celebration signaling the start of Carnival, takes place from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the parade steps off immediately after. It’s scheduled to last until 5 p.m.
The events are held each year on the first Monday in September, coinciding with Labor Day.
Street closures in Brooklyn on Sept. 7
The city Department of Transportation has announced the following street closures:
West Indian American Day Parade Route
Eastern Parkway between Ralph Avenue and Plaza Street West
J’Ouvert Festival Route
Eastern Parkway between Ralph Avenue and Plaza Street WestFlatbush Avenue between Grand Army Plaza and Empire Boulevard/Ocean AvenueEmpire Boulevard between Flatbush Avenue and Nostrand AvenueNostrand Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Rutland Road
Additional Embargo Location(s):
Grand Army Plaza (Entire Circle)Butler Place between Grand Army Plaza and Sterling PlaceSt. Johns Place between Underhill Avenue and Grand Army PlazaFlatbush Avenue between Grand Army Plaza and Caton AvenueWashington Avenue between Sterling Place and Lincoln RoadBedford Avenue between Eastern Parkway and Empire BoulevardRochester Avenue between East New York Avenue and Sterling PlaceBuffalo Avenue between Eastern Parkway and East New York AvenueRalph Avenue between Eastern Parkway and East New York AvenueOcean Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Parkside AvenueNostrand Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Linden BoulevardEastern Parkway (Main & Service Roads) between Plaza Street East and Howard AvenueLincoln Place between Eastern Parkway and East New York AvenueRockaway Parkway between East New York Avenue and Kings HighwayEast New York Avenue between Howard Avenue and Utica AvenueParkside Avenue between Park Circle and Flatbush AvenueWest Indian American Day Parade security
There will be 13 entry points where spectators will be screened for prohibited items, such as alcohol, weapons, drones and more. Those entry points open at 2 a.m.
City officials said there will be more than 300 emergency officials and community safety volunteers deployed to hotspot locations along the parade route.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said NYPD officers will also be positioned along the route, and aviation units, mounted units, the bomb squad, counterterrorism teams and NYPD drones will be on hand.
The NYPD is increasing security measures for this year’s events after violence in years past. In 2025, five people were shot and two were slashed in the hours after the parade, and in 2024, one man was killed and four others were hurt in a shooting during the parade.
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