NYC's J'Ouvert and West Indian Day Parade: Street Closures and Enhanced Security

NYC's J'Ouvert and West Indian Day Parade: Street Closures and Enhanced Security

Get ready for a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture in Brooklyn! Thousands of New Yorkers will be parading through the streets in colorful costumes, marking the annual J'Ouvert and West Indian Day Parade.

J'Ouvert, meaning 'daybreak' in French, kicks off the festivities at 6 a.m. on Monday, September 2nd, at Grand Army Plaza. The West Indian Day Parade follows right after at 11 a.m., showcasing vibrant costumes, festive music, and delicious food.

Here are the street closures in Brooklyn, effective from Sunday, September 1st through Monday, September 2nd, at the discretion of the NYPD:

• Grand Army Plaza (Entire Circle)
• Buffalo Avenue between Eastern Parkway and East New York Avenue
• Rochester Avenue between East New York Avenue and Sterling Place
• Ralph Avenue between Eastern Parkway and East New York Avenue
• East New York Avenue between Howard Avenue and Utica Avenue
• Eastern Parkway between Howard Avenue and Grand Army Plaza
• Washington Avenue between Sterling Place and Lincoln Road
• Flatbush Avenue between Grand Army Plaza and Caton Avenue
• Ocean Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Parkside Avenue
• Butler Place between Grand Army Plaza and Sterling Place
• St. Johns Place between Underhill Avenue and Grand Army Plaza
• Rockaway Parkway between East New York Avenue and Rutland Road
• Parkside Avenue between Park Circle and Flatbush Avenue
• Bedford Avenue between Eastern Parkway and Empire Boulevard
• Empire Boulevard between Flatbush Avenue and Nostrand Avenue
• Nostrand Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Linden Boulevard
• Lincoln Place between Eastern Parkway and East New York Avenue

NYPD ramps up security for the event, deploying:

• Drone teams: Six drones will be used during J'Ouvert, and another six will be deployed for the West Indian Day Parade.
• Surveillance cameras: Dozens of temporary cameras will be positioned throughout the borough.

NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to ensure the safety of everyone attending the event. He encouraged attendees to celebrate responsibly and safely, stating, "We accomplish public safety best when we do it together: cops and community working as one to ensure safety."