Thousands of revelers are expected to fill Eastern Parkway as Brooklyn’s annual West Indian Day Parade returns Monday, with the NYPD rolling out enhanced security measures and ending festivities 30 minutes earlier in an effort to curb the violence that has marred the celebration in recent years.<\/p>\n
Barricades are already in place along the parade route as police prepare for one of New York City’s largest cultural celebrations<\/a>. The event, officially known as the New York Carnival Parade and long referred to as the West Indian Day Parade, follows J’Ouvert, the pre-dawn street celebration that marks the start of Carnival festivities. Spectators can begin gathering as early as 2 a.m. for J’Ouvert.<\/p>\n The celebration has been underway throughout the holiday weekend. The annual Junior Carnival took place Saturday near Eastern Parkway, while the Youth Fest was held at the Brooklyn Museum.<\/p>\n This year’s parade begins at 11 a.m. Monday and will end at 5:30 p.m., a half-hour earlier than in previous years. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the earlier end time is designed to reduce the violence that has historically occurred near the conclusion of the parade.<\/p>\n “We have seen shootings on and around the parade route endangering innocent people and overshadowing this incredible tradition,” Tisch said. “I want to be very clear, this year there will be zero tolerance for violence of any kind.”<\/p>\n Police said everyone entering parade viewing areas will be subject to security screening. J’Ouvert begins at 6 a.m. Monday, followed by the parade at 11 a.m. on Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights.<\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n * More Brooklyn news<\/a><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/p>\n * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts<\/a> <\/p>\n * Download our connected TV app<\/a> <\/p>\n
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