J'Ouvert 2018: What You Need To Know

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — More than one million people are expected to crowd the streets of Crown Heights on Labor Day for J’Ouvert, a Caribbean carnival with a storied past, and the West Indian Day Parade.

The daybreak carnival and daylong festivities will bring calypso music, paint-throwing and long line of colorful floats to Eastern Parkway on Sept. 3.

Whether you’re hoping to dance in the dawn, march down the parade lines, or skip the whole thing all together, here’s what you need to know.

When and where is J’Ouvert?
J’Ouvert is slated to begin at 6 a.m. on and Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights.

What should I expect at J’Ouvert?
J’Ouvert, or “daybreak” is an annual sunrise festival to commemorate the emancipation of Trinidadian slaves.

It’s a celebration of the freedom to celebrate Carnival — a right denied slaves — through theater, said J’Ouvert City International president Yvette Rennie in a short city-sponsored film.

“We are showing the evil of slavery,” Rennie explained. “We are mocking the slave masters.”

That celebration includes revellers showering one another with baby powder and paint, steel band music playing and the Jab Jab masquerade, where people dress as devils and wear chains.

When and where is the West Indian Day Parade?
The parade will start on Eastern Parkway near Schenectady Avenue at about 11 a.m., then head to Grand Army Plaza and down Flatbush Avenue. Festivities officially end at about 6 p.m.

What should I expect at the West Indian Day Parade?
The parade will bring a long column of floats with people dressed in colorful costumes and Caribbean music playing. Official vendors will sell West Indian food, clothing and goods. Find out more on the West Indian Carnival Association website.

What kind of security will there be and why?
Top-level security measures will be in place this year following years of fatal shootings — including that of Andrew Cuomo’s aide Carey Gabay — at the pre-dawn festival, Gothamist first reported.

The J’Ouvert parade will take place at 6 a.m. instead of 4 a.m., the parade route will be closed off at 11 p.m. the night before, and parade-goers will be searched for weapons and alcohol at a dozen NYPD checkpoints.

How do I get there?
You can take the 2, 3, 4, 5, Q and shuttle trains to various points along the parade route, but crowds and the MTA’s holiday schedule might mean the trip takes longer than you’d expect.

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Keith/Getty Images