We discovered that the tremendous energy on
display is the culmination of months of preparation and the youngsters who
parade through Crown heights in the Kiddies parade
are carrying forward a tradition which originated
in Trinidad and has been passed from generation to generation here.
Youths are also the majority in many of the
Steel Bands. It all comes about through grass
roots community efforts. Empty lots and basements or after hours in
businesses are transformed into mas camps
where costumes are made and pan
yards that liven the evening with the sounds of orchestras
rehearsing. The culmination of these efforts, the Mas
Contest, Panorama, and the judging of the Children's bands attract thousands
to the Brooklyn Museum where the Kings and Queens
are named and the BWIA challenge trophy for the best steel
band is presented.
The West Indian American Day Carnival Association for the first time
insisted bands have a theme and be dressed in costume for the parade. They
also worked together with the bandleaders to unite the steel bands to
perform in a single Panorama. The goal is to bring to the West Indian Day
Carnival emphasize Carnival and it's arts rather than the parade. Troubling
to many, however, were some developments on the parkway. One of the post
-carnival topics of conversation were the restrictive security measures
imposed this year that hampered the enjoyment of the parade for many.
Others mentioned that the long wait between bands as an issue
that needs to be addressed. We think the NYPD should study the crowd
control techniques of the Trinidadian police who concentrate large numbers
of officers in strategic locations without impeding the crowds movement.
A light rain that fell throughout the day held crowds down - to
approximately a million viewers! - but did not dampen the spirits of the
day. We hope you enjoy the following photo journal that documents just a bit
of the festivities that culminate with the parade on Eastern Parkway.
