According to West Indian American Carnival Association (WIADCA) president Thomas Bailey, this year’s carnival festival (August 30-September 3) will be “bigger, better and bolder.”
The event will honor and recognize the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Independence for Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica’s Reggae star, Mr Vegas, will join T&T soca maestro Machel Montano on stage in an event designed to honor both Caribbean nations for achieving such important milestones in their national development.
In April 2012, WIADCA underwent an administrative change when Bailey, the new president, along with a new board of directors, have been working around the clock putting the final touches on the 45th annual Labor Day Carnival festival and parade. WIADCA is now in the final planning stages of its festival program with an impressive line-up of artistes and activities for the four days and nights at the Brooklyn Museum Grounds, located at 200 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn.
The celebration culminates with the Labor Day parade when more than 40 masquerade bands and some three million spectators and supporters from around the world will converge on Eastern Parkway, from Schenectady Avenue to Grand Army Plaza, from 8 am to 6 pm on Labor Day, September 3. This year’s events also will be in perfect sync with two of the Caribbean region’s special and historic celebrations. WIADCA will honor both nations with performers and choice of Grand Marshals. WIADCA’s theme for this year, “Caribbean History, Culture & Unity” reflects a renewed commitment to work together while acknowledging a common and shared heritage.
Additionally, the new WIADCA team understands that without the full support of its corporate sponsors, elected leadership, supporters of mas and steelbands and millions of loyal fans, there will not be a carnival festival. The organization is hard at work re-organizing all of its operations while executing its 2012 carnival festival program. In this light, WIADCA has held several meetings with NYPD (Brooklyn South Command) and has been assured that every security precaution will be taken to protect masqueraders, spectators, and other participants throughout the festival and parade.
2012 New York Carnival Program:
Thursday 8/30 – All levels of mas competitions, from “ole mas” to Kings and Queens of the bands. Programme includes top calypsonians.
Friday 8/31 – For the first time in years, top soca and reggae artistes will headline the popular Brass Fest. On stage will be T&T’s premier soca star Machel Montano and Jamaican reggae superstar Mr Vegas, along with a huge cast of top notch performers from Barbados, Dominica and more.
Friday 8/31 – (daytime) A Cultural Youth Stay In School Programme – FREE.
Saturday 9/1- WIADCA’s Steelband Panorama Competition.
Saturday 9/1 – (Daytime) Junior Carnival and Competition.
Sunday night 9/2 – Dimanche Gras: All-star line-up includes Calypso Rose, Shadow, King Ajamu, Black Stalin and many others, along with winners of all competitions; Something Positive Dance Troupe; and, direct from T&T, traditional characters and “pan around the neck” steelband.
Monday 9/3 - Led by the Grand Marshals from Jamaica, T&T and New York, along with scores of “who’s who,” including the youngest ever Grand Marshal, Machel Montano; New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo; New York City’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg; sponsors and leading politicians will join in leading the giant carnival parade of thousands of colourful costumed revelers and millions of spectators.
- Trinidad Guardian
Photo: Essence Mag – K2K Mas
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