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Photo essay: Labor Day Carnival returns to Brooklyn, and a new generation of revelers emerges
By
Reece T. Williams
and
Allen M. Pierre
Published Sep 6, 2022
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Allen M. Pierre for Gothamist
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By
Reece T. Williams
and
Allen M. Pierre
Published Sep 6, 2022
Share
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For two years, Labor Day, and the weeks leading up to it, have been uncharacteristically quiet in Brooklyn. There has been no early-morning J’Ouvert procession down Empire Boulevard, nor Nostrand Avenue; no iconic West Indian Day Parade down Eastern Parkway.
READ MORE: Flatbush residents cautiously optimistic about West Indian Day Parade’s return after two-year hiatus
Labor Day Carnival – which comprises J’Ouvert and the West Indian Day Parade, as well as a number of other celebrations and competitions that happen mostly in Brooklyn – was canceled in both 2020 and 2021 because of the health risks associated with large gatherings during the throes of the pandemic.
But with restrictions loosened this year, the large-scale, multi-Caribbean celebration returned in full force, with a new generation eager to keep pace with more seasoned revelers. Allen M. Pierre, a Haitian-born photographer who lives in Brooklyn, photographed the many scenes that make-up Labor Day Carnival for Gothamist.
See some selections below as well as the full gallery above.
Young mas players at Junior Carnival.
Allen M. Pierre for Gothamist
A young drummer watches the Pan in Motion steel orchestra at a steel pan competition in Crown Heights.
Allen M. Pierre for Gothamist
A crowd of onlookers along Eastern Parkway.
Allen M. Pierre for Gothamist
A young parade-goer examines a Jab Jab character alongside the parade route.
Allen M. Pierre for Gothamist
A young parade goer is carried down the parade route.
Allen M. Pierre for Gothamist
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j'ouvert festival
west indian american day carnival
Reece T. Williams
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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