From stilt walkers to those carrying feathered pieces on their backs, kids showed up at the Junior Carnival Parade in Crown Heights on Saturday.
The parade, making its first comeback since the pandemic, is one of many festivities taking place this weekend to celebrate the culture of the American Indian West.
What you need to know
- The Youth Day Parade kicked off Saturday in Crown Heights. It’s one of the many festivities taking place this weekend to celebrate American Indian West culture
- According to officials, 18 colorful entries walked the parade route down St. John’s Place to a performance stage at the Brooklyn Museum
- Svaha Williams led the parade dressed as a colorful mermaid
Dazzling like a colorful mermaid, Svaha Williams led the youth carnival parade as its own Grand Marshal.
“I was blasting soca music in my room all week because I was so excited,” Williams said.
According to officials, 18 colorful entries walked the parade route down St. John’s Place to a performance stage at the Brooklyn Museum.
Children who participated in the parade said they had been waiting for this day for a while.
“It feels good, I’ve waited two years for this — I’m glad it’s back and I’m glad to be here,” said Alanah Jones, a parade participant.
“I feel really good because I’ve been waiting to do this since I was six years old,” said Brandon Powlette, a stylist for Kaisokah Moko Jumbies Inc.
Whether waving a flag representing their Caribbean island or dancing to the beat, the kids came ready to celebrate their heritage and make their parents proud.
“I get high energy, I like some soca music and you know I’m on the road with my family,” said Francis DaSilva.
Even the spectators on the street were impressed.
“It’s great to see that they still have the culture, letting the young people know what the culture is,” said Allison James, a native of Trinidad and Tobago.
