NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 02: A young girl representing Jamaica attends the West Indian Day Parade on September 2, 2013 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Over a million people are expected to attend the 46th annual parade. (Photo by Michael …
NEW YORK - New York City is getting its first Jamaica Rising Day Parade on Saturday, with organizers calling the event the beginning of a new tradition celebrating Jamaican culture and heritage in Brooklyn. The parade’s official website describes it as America’s first Jamaica Rising Day Parade.
When is the Jamaica Rising Day Parade?
The parade is being held Saturday, Aug. 8.
Organizers have promoted the event as a full day of celebrations. A separate VIP breakfast runs from 8 to 10:30 a.m. before the parade festivities.
Published event listings have differed on the exact parade step-off time, with some listing 10 a.m. and others 11 a.m. Because the parade’s official website does not currently list a step-off time on its updated route announcement, attendees should check the event website before heading out.
What is the parade route?
Organizers announced a new route Friday, one day before the event.
The parade will:
- Start at Church Avenue and Ocean Avenue
- Travel north on Ocean Avenue
- End at Lincoln Road near Empire Boulevard
That route comes directly from the parade organizers’ latest announcement.
What to expect
The Jamaica Rising Day Parade is centered on Jamaican culture, music, food and community pride.
Organizers say the event is built around cultural preservation, education, community empowerment and economic development within the Jamaican diaspora. DJ Danglez, a Brooklyn native of Jamaican descent and member of Federation Sound, is also scheduled to be featured as the parade’s DJ.
The event is intended to honor Jamaica’s heritage while creating a new annual celebration for Jamaicans and Jamaican Americans in New York.
Why this year is different
Organizers describe Saturday’s event as the first-ever Jamaica Rising Day Parade and a new American tradition dedicated specifically to celebrating Jamaica, its people and its global influence.
The parade is also being held during Jamaica’s August independence celebrations, adding another cultural milestone to the weekend.
The Source: This article was written using information from the Jamaica Rising Day Parade organizers and the event’s official website.