Queen of the Carnival
By Isseu Diouf Campbell
Translated in French by Aisha Dabo
Some might only see nakedness and a lot of booty shaking at the West Indian Carnival Day Parade held this year on September 2, 2013 on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn but for Johanna Joanpierre, member of the organizing committee, the carnival, started 46 years ago, is mostly a celebration and a moment of unity.
“Brooklyn is made alive with labor day because of the West Indian Parade,” she said.
“It’s people from all countries, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Vincents, Trinidad & Tobago, from all over the West Indies who come to the parade. We all gather and become one for this day.”
When the result can be very impressive in the eyes of the spectator with the vibrant costumes, floats and choreographies, planning it can be quite a challenge.
“We all go to Trinidad for the carnival and soon as we return, we start preparing for the Labor Day Carnival. It takes a lot of time and many sleepless nights,” Joanpierre added.
While many in NYC celebrate on Labor Day weekend, in Trinidad and Tobago, where the carnival originated, they celebrate day and night, for a month. And now in the US, every state has its own carnival where thousands no matter their size, shape or color come to celebrate their Caribbean heritage.
“Carnival is a beautiful thing, fun costumes and all kinds of women, small one, big one, thin one, fat one. We do not criticize. Everybody is having a beautiful time. Praise god there was no incident this year, and I hope it will always be that way. Labor Day is here to stay,” she said.
Photos of the politicians at the 46th West Indian Carnival Day Parade
Photos on the costumes at the 46th West Indian Carnival Day Parade
