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    J'Ouvert and West Indian American Day Carnival

    A Brief History

    The name J'Ouvert originates from the French words "jour ouvert," meaning daybreak or morning, and signals the start of Carnival. Carnival is the traditional street festival honoring the vast heritage and culture of the Caribbean diaspora.

    Steel band music is the dominating sound of J'Ouvert as revelers take to the street wining and chipping their way in the early hours before the daytime West Indian Day Carnival.

    History of J'Ouvert

    New York City West Indian American Day Carnival Festivities 2026

    September 3rd - September 7th, 2026
    The City of New York, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the New York City Police Department and the Office of Community Safety are partnering for a safe ,family-friendly celebration of culture and pride  that is J’ouvert and the West Indian American Day Carnival.

    J’ouvert 2026

    Monday, September 7th, 2026
    6AM - 11AM

    West Indian American Day Carnival

    Monday, September 7th, 2026
    11AM - 6PM
    Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY
    For more information on this year’s NYC Carnival Celebration, including parade route and other festivities, please visit the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA)

    2026 Panorama Steel Pan Groups

    Want to get a sneak peak of the action? You can visit some of the many locations to hear the sounds of the Caribbean as rehearsals for the celebrations are underway.

    D’Radoes
    900 East 52 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11203

    Despers USA
    812 Remsen Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11236

    Metro Steel Orchestra
    1437 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203

    Pan Alley Travis
    600 Kingston Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203 (Entrance on Winthrop)

    Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra
    1168 Rockaway Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11236

    Pan in Motion
    998 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11225

    Steel Sensation
    845 E 96th St, Brooklyn, NY 11236

    A man wearing sunglasses has his face covered in green paint Text reads: J'Overt and Carnival are celebratuinsif carribean culture, freedom and heritage. Celebrate and keep it safe. Visit wearehovert.com for more information
    Poster for J'Ouvert, showing multiple participants in colorful clothes and another with her face painted. Text reads: J'Overt, a public street festival, is a Caribbean tradition that occurs in the early morning hours leading up to the West Indian Day Carnival.
    Poster featuring a sketch of the J'Ouvert parade route and two groups of women participants, all dressed festively in bright colors and headdresses. It details a 6 am start time and advises that the parade route will include officers and lighting. The NYPD will screen for alcohol and weapons upon entering.